The shape I'm In: Ellen Cranitch

THOUGH she trained as a classical flautist, Ellen Cranitch’s taste in music crosses all genres. Her late-night radio programme on Lyric FM runs the gamut from modern to folk, blues to opera and yes, classical. It’s a rich blend that keeps you coming back for more.

In the way a top chef will combine surprising flavours and textures to produce a unique dish, she too combines different sounds and rhythms to create a compelling sound.

“When I was active as a musician, I used to go to a lot of concerts that weren’t necessarily classical concerts,” she says. “Having experience of going to lots of gigs and meeting all kinds of musicians from different disciplines has really stimulated my musical curosity. It opened up all kinds of amazing worlds in music that have been very enriching for me.

“My hope is that it would translate into the work that I’m doing now, presenting a late radio show with a very broad remit. It’s nice to be able to indulge in and discover all these fantastic areas of music.”

Aged 54 and married to David, who is also a musician, she lives in south Co Dublin. Her two dogs are constant companions. “One is a collie, who is three — her name is Grace. The other is a little 13-year-old Tibetian terrier called Peggy. They do your head good. I think everyone should have a little animal to interact with.”

• The Purple Vespertine with Ellen Cranitch, Lyric FM, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10pm to 1am.

What shape are you in?

Not bad. I could lose a half stone or more and, as I’m getting a bit older, I’m getting a bit creakier. But I’m trying to address that by keeping active. I cycle everywhere. I do yoga and try and get a class maybe three or four times a week. And I do a lot of hill walking. I’m lucky enough to live in the south of Dublin and within 20 minutes I could be up the Dublin mountains. There is also great walking to be had in Kerry. It’s magnificent. I do Brandon as much as I can.

What are your guilty pleasures?

I put butter on chips — this is why I try and not eat chips too much. Also, cheesy peas — a bowl of peas with loads of melted cheese stirred through them. It’s quick if you are starving. The third thing is too much red wine. I love tempranillo — it’s Spanish and not too strong.

What would keep you awake at night?

Unfortunately, I find myself worrying about the mortgage from time to time. But most of the time, as I get older, I am learning to worry less and get a good night’s sleep. I generally get my eight hours.

How do you relax?

I love walking up the hills on my own with the dogs. It’s just so peaceful. I don’t watch television much at all. I like reading and listening to the radio but generally it’s being out in the outdoors. We are lucky in Ireland because within a short space of time you can be in beautiful countryside and environment. It’s such a fantastic resource.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Dr Mads Gilbert — the Norwegian surgeon who has done fantastic work in Gaza. Over the years has been very much to the forefront of championing the underdogs. Amy Schumer — she’s very funny. Kevin Burke, a traditional fiddle player who tells the most amazing stories of life on the road in the early days of the Bothy Band. My fourth person would be a woman called Gail Ann Dorsey, she was the bass player in David Bowie’s band for many years.

Is there anything you’d like to change about your appearance?

I’d like to have longer legs. And thicker hair — I’ve got very wispy hair and I’d love a big head of luscious curls.

What is your favourite smell?

Woodsmoke and coffee.

When is the last time you cried?

I shed a tear quite frequently. Usually reading about animal abuse cases. I occasionally go up to the DSPCA to walk the dogs. I’m conscious of shocking cases of animal cruelty. That always makes me cry.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’m a procrastinator. I’m just a bit scattered. I’m not great at time management. I look out the window a lot — there is always something to see in the back garden.

What traits do you least like in others?

Hypocrisy. Obsequiousness. Not calling things as they are.

Do you pray?

No, I don’t.

What would cheer up your day?

A nice cheery piece of music usually does the trick. A bit of Bach or Stevie Wonder or Martin Hayes.