We chat with Liza Tarbuck about all things animal!
How would you describe Liza and Huey's Pet Nation?
Every single episode has been something of a surprise to us. When you first start a series, you see on paper what it's meant to do. But, when you add animals to the mix, it can go anywhere, and that's why I like it. The other day, we had 28 animals in the studio, from a shire horse to the biggest pig I've ever seen in my life. If you like pets, this could be the show for you.
According to the old adage, in showbusiness, you should never work with children or animals. I'm assuming you don't agree...
W C Fields said that about 100 years ago and I can only imagine that he felt they were competing with him. Personally, I think it's marvellous - I'm all for the spontaneity of working with animals and children. If anybody says that adage in the show, be it on the floor or in the gallery, they have to put £5 into the swear box.
You're an animal lover then...
Well, it does help with a job like this! I'm amazed by how well-behaved the animals have been so far, and the researchers have done an extraordinary job. The form audiences fill in is extensive and surprising, and we use them as road-testers; we may have the ideal product for their pet. It's an involving show for all animal lovers.
Have you got any pets?
I do indeed, my dog Welsh Wilf, who features very heavily on the show. It's ideal because I don't have to worry about him - he's sits on the couch next to me.
What's Huey like to work with?
He's delightful. Huey and I have a relationship from the radio, so we just carry it on. We get on very well - he's got my back, and I've got his.
Britain is regarded as a nation of animal lovers - why do you think this is?
You cannot argue against that. We love our animals. The show goes to far-flung places, introducing us to magnificent people - some rescue animals, while others collect weird and wonderful creatures. We're just showing viewers what's out there.
What would you say to people who don't have a penchant for pets?
They're not everybody's bag and, presumably, if it's not your bag, you won't be watching this show! I quite like having a house with a couple of pets in it. I think it reflects someone's empathy and kindness, be it to a goldfish or a shire horse. It's an illustration of the way somebody is.
What was your first pet?
A golden Labrador named Louie, and we had a budgie called Frida. My sister also had a rabbit (though I have a feeling it was a hare). Having pets teaches children to take responsibility, to think of others. That being said, poor old Hoppity didn't always get cleared out... At the moment, I've got mice, and they're not my pets.
Do you have a cherished pet-related memory?
It's not a memory, but the best thing about having a dog is that it allows me to stroke everybody else's - I love it! When things get on top of you, it's good to take the dog for a walk and, inevitably, some lovely bit of information makes sense in your mind. I like the fact you get to see the seasons too.
What animal best represents you?
I'm a dog aren't I? It doesn't sound nice, and I'd probably be some dirty old mongrel!
If you could get close to any wild animal, what would it be?
I was recently in India, saw an elephant and spontaneously burst into tears. It was just magnificent to see nine tonnes of animal on the road. I went on a safari, and seeing elephants in the wild, doing what they want to do, is breath-taking, and puts things into perspective. We saw a baby elephant, three or four days old. As we approached, the rest of the herd disguised it; you couldn't see its little legs because of theirs. They're so clever and it felt like such an important moment. I like monkeys too, and I'm not a bad bird-watcher.
If you had to assign the roles of hero and villain to the wildlife world, who would you cast?
You can apply that to every single animal, depending on the situation they're in, be it cat, dog or tiger. They're capable of monumental things. It's always good to remind ourselves that, when we come down to basic instincts, we're like animals. It's a kick up the jacksie, and I like that!
You've tried your hand at everything, acting, radio and TV presenting - which do you prefer?
I've worked hard to make sure my career is varied, so I'll never be bored. It interests me to hone certain skills - I like tweaking certain skills, and acquiring new ones. Pigeon-holing someone is nuts. You can never underestimate a human because we're fundamentally complicated.
What essential items could you not live without?
My iPod. When I was in India, it was fantastic to be able to travel around, listening to music that suited whatever mood I was in. I can't live without books either. I'm obsessed and can read everything and anything. I've just finished the second novel in the Millennium trilogy, The Girl Who Played With Fire - oh my God! I started it on Friday, and by Sunday I was finished. Sometimes you eat a crap, flowery apple and it puts you off. It's exactly the same with books. I absolutely adored The Road too. I was still thinking about it weeks later.
