Regularly known to acquaintances as "Mad Aly". Have no idea why.

I originate from the West Country - if you push me to the outer boundaries of anger or indeed, hysterics, you are apparently assured to hear the country "burr" in my voice.

Lived in this area for 27 years, though there's a great deal more to explore than I've managed! My favourite place: in the knicker department at Primark, Kingston; alternatively, feeding my face in a French restaurant on the river.

What do I do? Well, my fingers sit in so many pies I lose count - though technically that should be no more than ten. Let's just say that most of what I do tends to involve "gassing". On paper, on air, on phone.

My passion: singing. My pleasure: studying for a degree... ah, maybe that's why I'm mad.