“I don't usually eulogise about people, but I saw Russell Brand doing stand-up before he was really high profile. I didn't really know what to expect but I laughed until my belly ached.”

British television and radio presenter, screenwriter and children's author, born 1975

Konnie Huq is a British television and radio presenter, screenwriter and children's author. Born in 1975, she is best known for her long run on the children's programme Blue Peter, where she became the show's longest-serving female presenter, appearing from 1997 to 2008. She has also worked across other television and radio projects, including serving as a presenter and guest on the 2010 series of The Xtra Factor on ITV2. Her work spans presenting, writing, and children's media.