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Yvette’s driving spirit
Yvette Fielding was born in Manchester and made her TV debut during her early teens in the 1983 drama series, “Seaview”. She is best known for co-presenting long-running children’s programme “Blue Peter” but has also appeared on a variety of factual shows, including “Baby Baby”, “Practical Parenting” and “City Hospital”.
In 2002, the series “Most Haunted”, produced by her and spouse Karl Beattie’s company, Antix, was launched on satellite channel Living, and has gained a huge following. The latest live edition came from Transylvania.
What car do you drive?
I have a black London taxi, a Jaguar XK and an old battered Vauxhall Vectra that we use for the kids and dogs and stuff, but we’re in the process of changing it to a 4x4. We’ve also got two Aston Martins – a DB7 and a DB9.
What was your first car?
My very first was a Volkswagen Scirocco. It was really old and beaten up, so I spent £500 doing it up. It was my pride and joy. Then I spent another couple of hundred quid on a fantastic stereo system. I loved that car.
What was your best/worst car?
The best has to be the Mini Cooper S convertible I had. It was the most fun to drive, I recommend anyone to get one. I’ve had that many it’s hard to single out the worst one. I did have a Mercedes. It was a lovely car, but it was so boring to drive. I felt about 80 driving it because there was nothing to do. It was really nice, and posh, but after the Mini to was just so sedate. We also bought a Freelander and the engine exploded on us three times.
What is your dream car?
I promised myself if I do really well and work even harder than I’m working now, I’m going to get myself an old Army Land Rover and a DB9 of my own.
Do you consider yourself to be a good driver?
Yes, I love it. I’m very competitive, though. I desperately want to go on ‘Top Gear’. When I was on ‘Blue Peter’ I did a rally-driving course and I’ve driven everything. I just want to go on there and prove I can drive and beat everybody.
What do you always keep in your glovebox?
Really boring stuff – CDs and the manual, that you flick through and ask “what does that mean?” When I was younger the car was like a skip, now I almost tell the kids to take their shoes off before they get in!
What drives you mad behind the wheel?
Cyclists. Why aren’t those people insured? Why is it on a Sunday on country lanes, cyclists think they have the God-given right to go out all in a huge bunch and clog up the roads? As for horses and riders, I have two horses myself, and I don’t care how good people say theirs are, it’s an animal and it could just go at any time. It could kick my car in and do all sorts of damage. There’s caravans too. Don’t get me started.
What’s the best music to drive to?
If it’s a beautiful sunny day, then Frank Sinatra’s nice. But if you’re feeling that way out, then rock’s good. A bit of Bon Jovi’s great for screaming along to.
Have you ever had a crash?
In the Freelander, Karl was driving on the M25. He spun and went into the central reservation and went into the grass verge on the other side, but also hit a concrete post nearby – some building work was going on. The whole car was crushed, but because it was so well built, it saved his life. It was a damn good solid car.
Who cleans your car, and how often?
A variety of people. At the moment a lovely chap comes over and does it. We’re thinking of having him do it regularly.
Who would be your perfect passenger?
I’d have a few. Obviously my husband first, but I could squeeze a bit of Keanu Reeves and George Clooney in the back. I wouldn’t be averse to Owen Wilson, then Billy Connolly would have to be strapped to the roof rack.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in a car?
I was very stupid once and got told off by all my family. Karl and I decided to race the DB9 and Jaguar XK along the back country roads in Cheshire at midnight. Karl was furious because I overtook him on a blind bend. I regret it deeply and now I drive like an old age pensioner in a fast car. |
