RAY SHAH: The Big Brother contestant turned radio star is a kept man at the moment, but he does cook sometimes, he tells Melanie Morris
Do you cook? "I'm more of a cook in London than in Ireland. Right now, I'm living with my dad and his fiancée cooks dinner for me. And I go around to my mum a few nights a week too, so really, I'm a kept man. In London, I'm far more independent. I've become healthier in recent months. Before Big Brother I was in great shape, but then my routine went out the window and I pigged out. So I've started trying to get back into it - exercise and healthy eating. I'm missing the old six-pack!"
Who is your favourite celebrity chef? "I like watching Jamie Oliver, but he hasn't been on for a while. Gos from Big Brother would have to be my favourite though. He's a brilliant cook and he should be on TV. He's got the ability and the personality for it."
What time do you have breakfast, and what is it? "Because of work, it has been around 6.45 a.m. in the morning recently - cereal and tea. I'm not a massive breakfast person, even at weekends. I don't like fries, I prefer something like a ham and cheese toastie at lunchtime."
What are your favourite restaurants? "I like going to really laid-back places that are full of atmosphere. Food isn't as important as the people you are with, and just being able to relax. In Dublin, that means Little Caesars, and in London, I love an Italian place near me called Pilagio's. We've had a good few Big Brother reunions there. During the daytime, I really like the café in the back of Dunnes Stores, at the St Stephen's Green Centre."
Do you entertain much? "Not in Dublin, but in London I have people over. Scott and Federico came to stay with me for seven weeks after Big Brother."
What did you learn to cook in the Big Brother house? "Do you know, I think I was the only person not to cook in that place. I did a chicken Caesar salad once, but apart from that, I was more into the cleaning."
So what is your failsafe recipe? "I do a great chicken curry from scratch. Or pasta dishes. I prefer cooking spicy stuff, though."
What is in your fridge? "This morning there was yoghurt, orange juice, Ribena, lots of fruit, a chicken for roasting, cheese, some slices of ham and eggs."
Do you diet? "Not really, but I try and eat healthily, get my five portions a day and all the rest. I gave up drink for the month of January - until the Dream Team football match we did on January 30th. I became a bit of a hermit, but it wasn't that difficult to do. I'd like to cut down again now. This year is all about work."
What was your last meal? Lunch on the run, during work. I grabbed a chicken baguette from the Spar on Dundrum Road."
What is your favourite comfort food ? "Hot chocolate or a McDonalds strawberry shake."
What would your Death Row last meal be? "Roast beef with potatoes, gravy, cauliflower and broccoli. And I want stuffing, even though it's beef. Then maybe a Black Forest gateau and many, many pints of cider to set me up."
And finally Ray, if you are what you eat, then you are ... "Full of good intentions."
Ray Makes Your Day is on morning and lunchtime, Monday to Friday on Q102FM. Big Brother 5 starts on Channel 4 and E4 later this month.