Q & A

Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Krishnan Guru-Murthy, 31, was born in Liverpool. He was a member of the National Youth Theatre, and at 18 became the youngest presenter of BBC2's Open To Question. While at Oxford University, he joined BBC1's Newsround, and went on to work as a reporter on Newsnight. Since 1998, he has presented Channel 4 News, and also hosts the channel's quiz show, Number One.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Having nothing to worry about and everything to look forward to.

What is your greatest fear?

The death of somebody I love.

With which historical figure do you most identify?

The boy who put his finger in the dyke to stop the water, because I like to imagine I can stop the flood.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

Bill Clinton: despite every stupid, gutless, moronic thing he did, he was a great president, cared more than most... and got away with being stupid, gutless and moronic.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Being impatient and obsessive.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?


Where would you like to live?

In a London town house with a garden, a house in the country and another in France. But a new roof on my flat will suffice.

What makes you depressed?

The leaking roof on my flat.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

My tummy.

What is your favourite book?

Tiptoes The Mischievous Kitten.

What is your favourite fantasy?

Winning a £100m bet with Rupert Murdoch.

What is your most unappealing habit?

Interrupting to change the subject.

Do you believe in monogamy?

Yes - and Father Christmas and the tooth fairy.

Which living person do you most despise?

Too many to name, and I'd get in trouble at work.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Good manners.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

'That's ridiculous'.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

Being physically fit.

What would your motto be?

'I'm sorry, but I'm right about this.'

Do you believe in life after death?

I don't know.

How would you like to be remembered?

With a smile.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Sometimes things just don't make sense, so don't try to work them out.

Today's best video

Today in pictures