1 Blusher

I have a typically Irish complexion.

This means that I burn very easily in the sun and without a little bit of cosmetic help, I can look frighteningly pale.

Although I’m not someone who particularly likes to go out without doing my make-up first, if I had to I would happily forsake lipstick and mascara as long as I didn’t have to appear in public without a good blusher.

Without some added colour I simply don’t look very well and people start asking me if I’m OK, which can be rather disconcerting. 

2 Washing machine

Every time the washing machine breaks down I panic as domestic chaos soon ensues.

Like a lot of people I would find it hard to cope without all the time-saving gizmos and gadgets that we have today.

I simply can’t imagine what my mother’s life must have been like as she had eight children and didn’t have a dishwasher, a washing machine or even a freezer.

It meant she had to shop every day and was endlessly washing and tidying. The work involved in keeping the household running must have been absolutely exhausting.

I hate laundry but whenever I get home after working away I always do the washing and tidy up because although I’m no neat freak, I do like a tidy and ordered environment. 

3 Tea

I always start every morning with a cup of milky tea, my first of many throughout the day.

When it comes to a brew, I am a pretty basic teabag and milk kind of person.

It wouldn’t cross my mind to use a teapot and a strainer and the fancy scented stuff definitely isn’t for me.

Having said that, I do like to go out for a posh cream tea every now and again as I don’t think you can beat warm scones with cream and jam, and a pot of English breakfast tea. 

4 Pets

I have three dogs and two horses and I love spending time with my animals.

When I get home my pooches are so delighted to see me and what is so wonderful about pets is the fact you don’t ever have to explain yourself or try to impress them.

Their love is a given, no matter what’s going on in my life.

It can be a bit crazy when I walk through the door as I have a border collie, a Yorkshire terrier and a very excitable imperial shih tzu.

They are all completely adorable and when I see their lovely faces jumping up at me, the stresses and strains of the day just melt away.

My daughter Ciara rides a lot and although I don’t, I find it very calming spending time with the horses.

I am perfectly happy mucking out and helping to groom them. 

5 Music

Being part of The Nolans meant that I was surrounded by music from a very young age and it is something I have always loved.

When I was younger, I was obsessed with The Osmonds, as were most girls my age, but as I’ve got older my musical tastes have become far more varied and some of my favourites now include Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé and Little Mix.

I always love discovering great new sounds.