A minute with Marc Almond

Favourite restaurant?

Champor, a Malaysian at London Bridge, is a favourite, and the Afghan Kitchen at Islington Green. I've been going to both for a few years. The food is great, as is the presentation, and the atmosphere is really special. Champor changes its menu every month, so it's always a surprise. At the Afghan Kitchen the yogurt chicken with spiced pumpkin is very good.

What's your comfort food?

When it comes to comfort food, it has to be the Ivy - salmon fishcakes, and frozen berries with white melted chocolate - fantastic, and great staff (in case I need a table at short notice).

What would you cook to seduce someone?

I wouldn't because I just can't cook, and food and sex is such a bizarre idea.

Favourite bar?

I'm an alcoholic, so I don't have one as I don't drink.

What's your worst habit?

House rules. No shoes, no smoking, no sitting on the cushions, and generally no relaxing or making yourself at home. In fact, preferably not being there at all. And my inability to concentrate - I'm dyslexic and have ADS (attention deficiency syndrome). I'm also impatient and have difficulty expressing myself. I also overspend - I'd rather buy art than pay a bill.

And your virtues?

I'm generous, caring and sensitive.

What's your best piece of advice about life?

If life hands you a lemon, make lemonade, and never forget why you agree to do something.

What address in your little black book could you not live without?

There are quite a few, actually - my personal chauffeur Trevor Bailey, Sophie Thorpe in Knightsbridge (who helps me to look like me) and Keith at Smile.

What were you doing last Saturday night?

I was in Moscow performing in a tribute to Russian singing legend Alla Bayanova, who guests on two tracks on my upcoming Russian album, out in June.

What were doing on Sunday morning?

I was at a photo session in the Stalin exhibition centre.

Why Moscow?

Because I live there some of the time - it is a fascinating, beautiful and unpredictable place - and like I said, recording my album.

The last film you saw?

About Schmidt. I thought it was brilliant --Jack Nicholson was mesmerising.

What's on your bedside table?

I wish I could say something funny, but there's just a lamp. No, I tell a lie, there is also a copy of my bestselling autobiography Tainted Life.

How and where do you exercise?

With my personal trainer Patrick Topliss at the Earl's Court Gym.

How do you chill out and escape?

Watching films, TV, having friends round and catching up with soap omnibuses.

Tiger skin or leopard spot?

Tiger skin (on live animals only).

What's the last thing that made you laugh?

Bremner, Bird And Fortune.

What does DNA mean?

National Dyslexia Association.

Which of your songs are you now sick of singing?

Can't you bloody well guess?

Are you fabulously rich?

No, but I'm very comfortable and very lucky.

Soft Cell perform at Shepherd's Bush Empire, Fri 7 Feb. See page 32. Their single, 'The Night' is out this week.