The healthy-living guru on big hair, posh burgers and Mary Berry
Joe Wicks has made a career out of doing what he loves
Where is home? Richmond, Surrey, a ten-minute walk from The Body Coach HQ. I grew up nearby in Epsom where my mum still lives.
Career plan B? This is my plan B! I was a teaching assistant, but I wasn’t very good at it. I had always loved fitness so I poured my energy into becoming a personal trainer – everything followed from that.
Who would play you in a movie of your life? Everyone says that I look like Russell Brand and Game of Thrones star Kit Harington, so whichever of them is free.
Guilty pleasure? Cocktails and posh burgers.
Biggest bugbear? People who say that they don’t have time. If you really want to exercise, set your alarm 20 minutes earlier.
As a child you wanted to be… A PE teacher.
Earliest memory? Playing in the garden with my elder brother Nikki. We’re super close and even work together now.
Secret to a happy relationship? Be yourself, be honest, be kind and have fun.
Your best quality? Motivating others.
And your worst? Because social media is part of my job it’s easy to be glued to my phone 24/7. I’ve had to learn to turn it off.
Last meal on earth? A burrata salad with tomatoes and perfectly ripe avocado, followed by a juicy burger with bacon, blue cheese and fries and a chocolate fondant for dessert.
Dream dinner-party guests? Sir David Attenborough, who’s a genuine legend, Sheryl Sandberg and, if it’s a ‘dream’ dinner party, David Brent from The Office.
Advice to teenage self? My dad used to say, ‘Do what you love’ and he was right.
Cat or dog? I don’t have any pets, but one day I would like to get both.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? A big bouffant of curly hair.
Starstruck moment? Passing Sir David Attenborough in a stairwell at ITV – I froze.
Career highlight? Being invited back to my old uni to give a speech to new graduates. I felt emotional and proud.
Favourite tipple? A cheeky cocktail or a nice gin and tonic, although I’m not a big drinker.
Hangover cure? A 20-minute HIIT [high-intensity interval training] exercise will always fix me.
What did you have for breakfast today? Poached eggs and avocado.
Top of your bucket list? To go on a safari.
One thing that would make your life better? I would love to be able to click my fingers and be wherever I want to be in the world.
Philosophy? Have fun, be nice and work hard.
Last film that made you cry? Lion. Boy, did I sob!
Where would you time travel to? Italy, where my grandmother is from. I would love to meet my ancestors and maybe find out where my curly hair comes from!
First record you bought? Tease Me by Chaka Demus & Pliers.
Most extravagant purchase? I bought my mum her council house. It wasn’t really an extravagance, just a thank you for all the hard work she put in raising me and my two brothers.
Celebrity crush? I’ve got a soft spot for Mary Berry.
Happiness is… Being with people you love. It keeps me grounded and happy.
Joe’s new book, The Fat-Loss Plan: 100 Quick and Easy Recipes with Workouts, is published by Bluebird, price £16.99. To order a copy for £13.59 until 21 January, go to you-bookshop.co.uk or call 0844 571 0640; free p&p on orders over £15