Content provided in partnership with

'We need to protect corner shops and older buildings'

Independent, The (London), May 7, 2008 by John Hall

The 5-minute Interview

Dan Cruickshank

TV presenter and historian

Cruickshank, 58, is a BBC presenter and author of books on historical architecture. His DVD 'Adventures in Architecture' is out now.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

I'd probably be writing my book about the 18th-century sex industry and how it influenced architecture.

A phrase I use far too often...

"Golly". I'm mocked and humiliated about using it so I must cut down.

I wish people would take more notice of...

The beauty of London's historic architecture. I do a lot of campaigning on the need to protect corner shops and older buildings.

Most Popular Articles in News: The Ten Best Laptop bags; Tata plans cheapest-ever car for Indian market; GLOBALIZATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERDEVELOPMENT OF THE THIRD WORLD; Corn is good for you; Corn is not only a tasty treat, but also a cereal that ...; THE 50 BEST STYLISH HANDBAGS TO CARRY; More »

The most surprising thing to happen to me was...

Working in television. People often ask me how I became involved but I honestly have no idea.

I am not a politician but...

I wish I could stop horrible things happening to our world. We should invest more in teaching, nursing and the other deserving professions.

I'm good at...

Listening without talking.

I'm very bad at...

Games. I find cards and board games pointless.

The ideal night out is...

I'm at an age now where I just like a nice pint with a few chums.

In moments of weakness I...

Watch television.

You know me as a television presenter but in a truer life I'd have been...

I always wanted to be an explorer.

The best age to be is...

I like the age I am because I've mellowed although obviously I'm just waiting for things to pop now.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this:

Never say die, keep on pushing, you never know, it might work.