How would you like the opening line of your obituary to read? 'The Nobel and Pulitzer prize-winning grandmother of seven' But let's be honest, it will probably start: 'The news presenter who died under a bus while texting as she crossed the road'
Do you have a recurring dream? I dream I can do side splits. I've had that dream since I was ten and I always wake up disappointed when I find it's not true.
If you could live in any building in London, which would it be? I'm trying to choose between the Norwegian Embassy and the French Ambassador's residence. The French one is stunning - I've been invited there a couple of times - but the Norwegian one has a west-facing garden
What's the first thing you do when you arrive back in London? I run in Hyde Park, and I head to Emile in Kensington for a blow-dry.
What would you do as Mayor for the day? I'd bring down the entry prices at London Zoo and make sure the animals looked happier. And I'd stop digging up the whole city.
Who's your hero? Sarah Lund: mannish, free of vanity, intrepid and a bit of a psycho, but very, very cool.
Which are your favourite London pubs? The Victoria in Paddington, The Dove by the river in Hammersmith, the Windsor Castle and The Elephant & Castle in Kensington.
What's the best piece of advice you've been given? My sister once told me you have to ask for what you want. It's what men do, but women do it rarely.
What music do you find most romantic? I love the haunting Chassidic music of synagogue - the Kol Nidre Service or the Yigdal. It can reduce me to tears.
What are you up to at the moment? Working towards the Action for Children Ultimate Quiz Night in March, and covering the American elections.
Have you ever had a disastrous Valentine's Day? My finest Valentine's disaster was spent in pink satin sheets in a love motel in Delhi with Andrea Catherwood. She is one of my closest friends, but I don't think it was what either of us were quite expecting.
What's the most romantic holiday you've been on? I was working in Matalascañas in Andalucia when I was 18 and a man offered to take me to the gypsy fair on his horse.
What are your favourite London discoveries? Adrian Harrington Rare Books; the Vietnamese restaurants in Dalston; the number 100 bus route (my five-year-old adores buses); and Benji at Mark Anthony for Pilates.
Emily Maitlis presents Newsnight on BBC Two at 10.30pm
