We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the working day: so what was on the menu this morning? 

Couldn’t agree more about breaky being the most important meal of the day – that’s why I have two. I’m a creature of habit so when I’m working it’s two Oatabix and double espresso for breakfast No 1 at 5.45am and then 2nd breakfast at work of porridge at 8.45am.

Sum up what you do at News UK in the shortest sentence possible.

Look at thousands of pictures, selecting the best.

Lay a bit of context on that?

The team and I go through around 20,000 pictures a day from around the globe, picking the ones of most interest to our readers. We also organise our own shoots and make sure we can illustrate the day’s news stories whether through live or stock pictures.

What attracted you to the role in the first place? 

Everyday is different and I get to see the world and all the characters in it. As I cannot be on the red carpet, in the penalty box or the Commons, this is the next best thing.

What’s the most interesting/challenging part of your job?

Keeping on top of the tsunami of pictures and picking out the gem among them.

What are the three most important things on your working agenda today?

The C word, Coronavirus, still dominates the agenda. It’s what everyone is talking about. But after that I want a great glamorous picture of a celeb for page 3 and then something funny and upbeat.

How many images do you process through the desk and how do you keep a full bank of imagery for every occasion? 

On average we look at 20,000 pictures a day. They are only stored for a day or so before they ‘fall off the system’. But if a picture is published or taken by a staff member then it is archived and kept for ever more (well in theory) and we have access to those pictures in just a few clicks.

Last book, film, binge watch and sounds you consumed?

I just finished a book called ‘The power of the Dog’ by Don Winslow as James Ellroy-style look at American attempts to tackle the drugs trade in Mexico.

Recently watched is the family lockdown movie The Fugative. Still excellent. Finally finished The Sopranos box set – amazing – and still loving Michael Kiwanuka music wise.

Who is your role model? And why? 

Cyclist Gerraint Thomas. Nice guys can come first but Captain Tom is pushing him close. I love stories when ordinary people do extraordinary things.

Last holiday destination? And why? 

County Cork, Ireland. The Guinness and the craic.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Learn from your mistakes (maybe because I’ve made so many).

What one bit of advice would you give someone wanting to do your job?

Enjoy it – work hard, play hard.

As the working day comes to a close, who would be your three Fantasy Dinner Party guests? And why?

Churchill, Marilyn Monroe and Stephen Fry – Gossip, glamour, humour and knowledge.