A healthy mix

PRIOR to RTÉ One’s Four Live going on an indefinite off-screen holiday last month, presenter Maura Derrane spoke of her love for the show.

“I love Four Live. It’s a great mix. There’s human interest and everything from fashion to food, beauty to medical. I look at myself as a facilitator to get the story out.”

Maura, who recently joined forces with chef Kevin Dundon to launch the new SuperValu range of goods is married to Fine Gael TD John Deasy, which — she says — keeps her in touch with just how difficult life is for many today.

“Apart from when John’s in the Dáil, he’s at the coal-face of what’s going on. I hear stories of regular people, of how difficult it is for them, how they’re literally losing their houses because they can’t pay the mortgage,” says the Aran Islands native who’s in her early 40s.

What shape are you in?

I’m grand, not super fit but healthy enough. I do a bit of walking and I’ve started jogging. I try to exercise three times a week.

Do you have any health concerns?

I’m very lucky. I’ve never been in hospital. I get colds through the year, I suppose because I’m meeting so many people every day on the show. Last year, I got swine flu and it nearly killed me. It took three or four weeks to get over it. Everybody thought it was this crazy thing, but really it was just bad flu.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I’m wonderful at breakfast but it goes downhill after that. I’d always have eggs or porridge with honey, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

My downfall is chocolate.

Do you sleep well?

No, I’m not a good sleeper but I don’t need a lot of sleep. Stress wouldn’t keep me awake. Doing a live show every day means there’s a certain amount of stress in my life, which I enjoy. I’m quite good at compartmentalising my life.

How do you relax?

I chill out a lot at weekends. I go for walks.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I’d love Barack Obama, the actor Joaquin Phoenix and Oprah. They’re big enough to be getting on with.

What’s your favourite smell?

I have a very heightened sense of smell. I’m totally drawn to perfume. I’m obsessed about it to the point where I’ll read all about its chemistry and history. At night at the moment, I’m wearing La Perla. It’s very musky. What would you change about your appearance?

I’d like to be a bit more toned.

When did you last cry?

I cry all the time. At least once a week, I shed a tear over a movie.

What trait do you least like in others?

I hate cheap, stingy people.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

You are who you are. I don’t ponder on life. I’ve never really pondered on myself, ever.

Do you pray?

Not all the time, but I do, sometimes - I have faith.

What would cheer up your day?

I don’t need to be cheered up — I’m cheered up by life. On the show, I meet so many difficult situations. On a recent show, I met a girl who got meningitis at 15. She lost her legs and some of her fingers. I feel so lucky to have good health, a good job, my health and good people around me.