Nicole Appleton's London

Hampstead. I feel comfortable there. It is where my family live and it's beautiful. I love the Heath.

How long have you lived there?

Since moving from Canada aged 17, I have always lived in North London. Before Hampstead I lived in St John's Wood and then Belsize Park.

Who is in your secret address book?

I am a huge fan of Topshop at Oxford Circus. It is practical and convenient. Toys R Us in Brent Cross is the only shop for children - I always buy gifts for my son's parties from there. M&S, close to Hampstead Heath, for food; it has the best of everything. Fresh & Wild - I make a great chicken soup and have to get all the ingredients from this store in Hampstead. All their products are organic and I love their raw, rustic quality. Boots is my essential pharmacy and I always visit it at Gatwick airport.

What is your earliest London memory?

Donkey riding around Whitestone Pond on Hampstead Heath aged five or six.

What do you miss most when you're out of London?

Soap operas. I am addicted to Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders. Also English tea: PG or Tetley. It just doesn't taste as good anywhere else.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?

I would change the congestion charge and parking fees - you have to be a millionaire to drive in London. I would also fire all traffic wardens and give women their own lane to drive in and paint it pink.

What is your life philosophy?

Enjoy life to the full and don't be too hard on yourself.

How do you get around town?

By foot; otherwise I drive my Sixties Mini.

Do you have a favourite pub?

The Holly Bush in Hampstead. It's a real British pub: quirky and small with log fires and an eccentric clientele. My other favourite is the Freemasons Arms, also in Hampstead. However, it's recently turned into a restaurant and is a little too modern for me now.

What scent do you wear?

Trish McEvoy during the day. It is a light blackberry and vanilla scent. However, I wear Tiffany by night, as it is much heavier.

What are your current projects?

I am presenting the ITV2 slot of Hell's Kitchen, which starts on Monday 18 April.

What do you listen to on your iPod?

A mixture: Abba, The Bangles, Michael Jackson, Oasis, Joss Stone, Prince and Madonna.