Deirdre Brennan
General Manager & Director of Channels & Branded Services, Australasia, BBC Worldwide
When I’m not at work I spend my time… watching television, cooking, travelling and singing showtunes to myself.
The person that most influenced my decisions in life when I was younger was... starting at ABC TV from the age of 20 qualifies as my younger life doesn’t it? It gave me the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented people, including the inspirational Sue Lester.
The last interesting book that I read was... I am very big fan of Boris Akunin’s Russian murder mysteries. I recommend you start with The Winter Queen – you’ll be hooked.
My first job was... in a cake shop at Epping station at the age of 14. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a love of meat pies and finger buns that I haven’t quite shaken off yet! Many years later, I met the wonderful owner again, as she ran the tape library at ABC TV – what a very small world it is!
My guiltiest pleasure is... Survivor and Gossip Girl.
At school, I was known for... being a girly swot and always treading the boards in the school musical (especially with Epping Boys).
My favourite movie of all time is... To Kill a Mockingbird, West Side Story (and Zoolander).
One of my favourite series on STV is... Paul Abbott’s Exile starring John Simm and Jim Broadbent. I believe it was the best UK drama of 2011. Hopefully people will catch it again on UKTV in coming months.
The person I most admire is... my wonderful husband…and Martin Scorcese
My friends say that I... talk too much
My hope for the future is that... one day we experience world peace! Yes, seriously…and 50%+ penetration.
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