'I love getting out into WILDLIFE!'

TV wildlife expert Michaela Strachan talks about living with nature, allergies and being on All Star Musicals

- By Jordan Paramor

Michaela Strachan started her TV presenting career in the early 80s, and at 56, she has hardly changed since her days on Saturday morning children's TV. She now lives in Cape Town, South Africa, with her partner of 19 years, director and cameraman Nick Chevallier, their son Oliver, 16, and Nick's children.

Many viewers love watching you on Springwatch - are you a natural fan of nature?

I love getting out into wildlife! That's been a huge thing for me over the years. It's my place of peace and my tonic. When I'm at home, getting out onto the mountain nearby is my solace. I feel like a better person after I've been there. Having dogs is great because it makes you go walking.

Does that help with your mental well-being in general?

Without a doubt. I'm very lucky because where I live I'm surrounded by beauty. We have a view of the harbour in front of us and behind us, we've got the mountain. We can get out into two very different environments easily but our sea is freezing, so it's not as idyllic as people think!

Do you cold-water swim?