ABC News Breakfast presenter James Glenday answers some candid everyday questions …
The state of my hair is …
Slightly grey. It’s just enough for my Mum to notice, and of course, kindly mention whenever she can!
The state of my heart is …
Hopefully, plaque-free. I’ve just reached that wonderful state of middle age where you begin to worry about cholesterol.
The state of my undies drawer is …
Non-existent. I’ve just moved house, and my underwear is on a shelf. Every time I grab a pair, everything falls to the ground and it’s deeply unsatisfactory – especially at 3 AM when I’m getting out of bed.
The best accessory I ever bought was …
A camper trailer. Actually, that’s sort of a lie. I’d like it to be a camper trailer because it makes me sound outdoorsy and adventurous. The truth is that I spend far too much time repairing the bloody thing for it to be the ‘best’. My kids love it though.
The most famous person I’ve met is …
Hmm…when people ask that question, I suspect they want me to say a celebrity. Robbie Williams? Hugh Grant? But it’s probably a politician like Boris Johnson.
The best thing about presenting ABC News Breakfast is …
The team. People will think I’m sucking up to my colleagues (who apparently read DNA!) because it’s well-known there are some difficult people in the media industry. But the News Breakfast team is genuinely wonderful. I give them five stars.
The worst thing about presenting ABC News Breakfast is …
Managing the fatigue. It’s hard to get enough sleep in the course of a week, and no one wants to see me look tired on air.
If I could have one superpower it would be …
The ability to fall asleep instantly. Very boring, I know. I spend too much of my life thinking about sleep!
People don’t know that I once …
Had a mild asthma attack while recording in a studio during the budget lockup. It was in the Canberra press gallery and the government actuary, who was making sure we didn’t leave early or leak sensitive information, had to run around to find an inhaler. It was quite awkward.
When alone in my car I …
Listen to podcasts or Classic FM. I find classical music helps me think. I walk around the house with my ear pods in, infuriating my wife and daughters.
I feel sad when …
I lose sight of the big picture. Life is good.
I’m shit scared of …
Sharks. No, I’m probably ok with sharks. I think the silence after terrorist attacks or mass murder. The streetscape looks normal, even familiar but there are bodies, and it is quieter than usual. Hmm…this answer makes me sound a bit disturbed and I’d like to think I’m not, so let’s go back to sharks!
My most embarrassing moment on set was …
When I nearly vomited! The audience doesn’t like it when you have a day off or when you are visibly sick. I was reading the TV news in Canberra one night when I really should have been in bed. I held in a cough for too long in the final seconds of the bulletin and was spluttering on the floor straight after.
My favourite all-time television character is …
Bluey’s Dad, Bandit Heeler. He’s been a big part of my life for several years.
My secret food indulgence is …
Cheese. It makes me feel terrible, and I should avoid it, but for some reason, I love it and keep going back.
My gay mates are …
Wealthier than me. Substantially. And generally fitter too. I don’t know how they do it!
News Breakfast: Weekdays 6am–9am on ABC TV
For more: iview.abc.net.au
Follow James on Instagram @james_glenday
