Tennis Presenter Andrew Castle
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
PAGE 78 C M Y K DAILY MAIL WeeKEND ‘People think that because I played tennis I must be posh. My dad ran a chippie and I’m proud of my working-class background’ DEFINITE Wadadli beers. Then we’d have a game of bowls. Later I’d sail a small catama- ran then nap on the beach. We’d have cocktails at the Tanjung Rhu Resort in Malaysia – gin and tonic for me, cham- pagne for Sophia and a foul-coloured ARTICLE mix of fruit juices for the girls! I’d have lobster for dinner, followed by a mid- We ask a celebrity a set of devilishly night walk on the beach. I’m 51 now, so probing questions – and only accept I’d happily snuggle up in bed at home. The happiest moment you will cherish THE definitive answer. This week: forever… When my mum, Lyn, saw me win my first match at Wimbledon Wimbledon commentator Andrew Castle in 1986. It was total vindication for years of effort and belief on her part. The prized possession you value above The person who has influenced you all others… A 1912 baby grand piano. It’s most… My wife Sophia. The saddest time that shook your been in the family for 15 years and we’ve Without her I world… When Dad died of a heart attack. had many fun get-togethers around it. wouldn’t be as I was only 19 and hadn’t seen him much gentle or listen as for three years because I was in the US. The biggest regret you wish you could much. We’ve been The piece of wis- The event that altered the course of I never really knew him as an adult. amend… Not staying in America when I married for 24 dom you would your life and character… Playing ten- was 22 after I finished studying there and The unfulfilled ambition that continues years and we’re pass on to a nis all day with a friend on a public became a tennis player. I’d have become to haunt you… To win Wimbledon. undyingly loyal. child… If you court near my home in Taunton when a better player, but I was homesick. give, you get. I was nine. After that I was hooked. The philosophy that underpins your The temptation you wish you could The unlikely interest life… Do the best you can. that engages your The song that The crime you would commit knowing resist… Chocolate espresso beans. They The order of service at your funeral… Writing poetry. It’s a valve means most to you could get away with it… I’d devise perk you up and make you fat in one go! curiosity… I’d have a reading of Brian Patten’s In to let my emotions out. But my poems you… Lynyrd Sky- a computer programme that added a The Dying Of Anything, which helped The book that holds an everlasting res- will never see daylight! nyrd’s Free Bird live. It came on at the few noughts to my bank account. me when Mum died in 2004, but I’d onance… The Story Of Doctor Dolittle by end of every party when I was aged leave the rest to my daughters. Hugh Lofting. My mum started reading The figure from history for whom 15-17 and reminds me of happy times. The way you would spend your fantasy it to me when I was four and it enabled you’d most like to buy a pie and a 24 hours, with no travel restrictions... The way you want to be remembered… me to disappear into my imagination. pint… Annie Besant, the 19th-century The treasured item you lost and wish I’d wake up in my own bed, then have He did the best for his family. women’s rights activist and my you could have again… A medal for breakfast with Sophia and our daughters The film you can watch time great-great-grandmother. I’d ask winning the British Under-12s Champi- Georgie, 22, and Claudia, 20, at the The Plug… Andrew is on Smooth Radio and time again… The God- how she survived an abusive mar- onship when I was 11. Winning changed Emelisse Hotel in Kefalonia, Greece. 97-108FM weekdays, 6am, and is the lead father has such attention to riage to become matriarch of the my life and I cherished that medal for I’d have Greek yoghurt, fruit, nuts and BBC Wimbledon commentator. He’s detail that I can watch it over women’s movement. years, but I have no idea where it went. honey, and at least two cups of coffee. encouraging people to have free hearing and over again and always After that, we’d play doubles at the tests, specsavers.co.uk/hearing. n The priority activity if you The poem that touches your soul… see something new. Kooyong Tennis Club in Melbourne. As told to Rob McGibbon were the Invisible Man for Wilfred Owen’s Dulce Et Decorum The girls would then go The pet hate that makes a day… I’d hang out on Est. It makes you question whether it shopping while I played P your hackles rise... Noise H a nuclear submarine really is sweet and glorious to fight O John McEnroe – I still T pollution from house exten- on manoeuvres. I’d and die for your country. OG love playing him, raph sions. Our neighbours in love to see what it’s Balham, south London, The misapprehension about yourself though he always beats S: like down there. www have been building for you wish you could erase… That me. All the family The unending quest because I played tennis I’m posh. My would spend the after- .S the past three years. P that drives you on… To dad, Frank, ran a chippie. When I was noon at the Curtain ECS av provide for my family. I 14, the business went bust and my par- Bluff resort in Anti- E R Right: John McEnroe. Above S.CO.UK, right: A Lynyrd Skynyrd live experienced poverty when I ents’ marriage broke down. We moved gua. We’d have a buf- album. Far right: Tanjung was young, so I’m determined to a council house, but I’m proud of fet lunch and I’d prob- R beach, Malaysia to keep us comfortable. my working-class background. ably have a couple of EX NEXT WEEK PS... l David Walliams and Michelle Dockery hits the big screen in sci-fi thriller Self/less – in cinemas Jessica Raine on their new l Friday. Classic musical Seven Brides For Seven Brothers is at Regent’s detective drama Dinner at Audrey’s – favourite Park Open Air Theatre from Thursday. And Noel Gallagher headlines dishes from the Hepburn household l Britain’s at Latitude Festival, which starts on Thursday in Southwold, Suffolk best TV listings guide 78 weekend National 11 JULY.