Amy McLean talks about living with an eating disorder, David Tennant and becoming a journalist.
For those that don't know you, how would you best describe yourself and your work?
Adventurous. I like to dip my toe in a variety of waters. I'm always up for trying something new, something different, so like to branch out as much as possible. As long as I am writing, and am absorbed in the world of entertainment in some way, I am happy.
How was life like for you, growing up?
I was a child of the 90s - I think it's safe to say that they were the simpler times (granted, children of the decades that preceded it will likely argue otherwise!). I'm not sure whether or not this was how I felt at the time, but in hindsight I can see that I was blessed with quite a lovely childhood. Despite being a child of what society likes to label as a 'broken home', I never wanted for anything. I do think my ability to lose myself in books and television played a part in my contentment!
What was life like dealing with an eating disorder?
Painful. Eating Disorders, in their severity, ruin lives. I was fifteen when I was diagnosed with Anorexia, and hospitalisation over the Christmas of 2007 came as a bit of a wake up call. The months both before and after this were harrowing; they were filled with copious amounts of self-loathing, aggravation, and the creation of spirit-crushing memories. However, I do think that suffering from such an illness has, at the end of the day, allowed me to develop into a much stronger person that I was before. The way I think of it is, what is life without experience? If we sail through life peacefully with no hurdles, it allows for little room to grow.
Living with an eating disorder controls your life. How did you manage to overcome it?
I will be honest here; it still controls me. There's not a day that I wake up and don't contemplate the day's menu. How am I going to get away with not eating today? Do I feel like I can cope with another binge? Why do I have to be like this? Etc. As far as I can see, it is something that will maintain its place at the forefront of my mind for the foreseeable future. It's been my life for six years. I can't really remember an alternative way of thinking.
What inspired you to become a TV critic?
This is a very interesting question, that does leave me a little baffled! I don't find idolisaiton in any specific critics; my inspirations come from those more akin to presenting and broadcasting: Andrea McLean, Ellie Crisell. I was seven years old when I decided I wanted to become a TV presenter, and ten when I realised my route was Journalism. Over the years, I've become more in favour of entertainment journalism, with which comes my love of TV (and theatre) critique.
If you could be in any programme what would it be and why?
Loose Women! Back in 2007 I fell in love with the show, and made the decision that, one day, I would find myself seated behind that desk. It was also the show that partly allowed me to clamber out of the severities of my Anorexia, by providing me with a strong career goal that meant more to me than 'becoming thin'. I'm not fussy here - I don't mind whether I become the show's anchor, a regular panellist, a guest panellist, or even just a guest! Of course, the more involvement I would have with the show the better, but at the end of the day, simply being able to say "I was on Loose Women!" would allow me to cross off one of my two greatest career aims.
What motivates you to carry on?
My career. I realise that if I don't power through with the challenges and obstacles that life frequently throws at me, I'll never get to where I want to be. I just tell myself, "If I can just get through this day, I will be one day closer to reaching the heights I'm stretching for." My passion for my career has been my rock.
How did you know what you wanted to be?
It was Blue Peter which initially attracted me to Television; Konnie Huq looked like she had so much fun presenting the show, and I knew straight away that it was something I wanted to do. Of course, at the time I never contemplated the hard work that comes with such a career, but my dedication to grafting has nicely fallen into place over the years without having to really think about it. My need to write was realised after a journalist from the Evening Express visited my class in primary school. The way Scott Begbie talked about his job allowed me to understand that a career that combined my love of writing with my love of Television was the best way forward. And from that moment, I've never looked back.
Who would be your ultimate celebrity husband and why?
Ha! That's a very good question. I'm inclined to say David Tennant, having been besotted with his Scottish beauty since Christmas Day 2005! Of course, he's taken now, which really does lessen my chances!
Do you have any advice for those that do reviews?
Be fair, be honest; say what you think. Don't hold back with your views. However, remember that there is no need to be bitter towards a particular show or actor just for the sake of it. There's having a vaild comment, and then there's passing judgement just to be cruel. There's one particular 'critic', who will remain unnamed, who seems to attack everything and everybody with vulgarity just to make people feel bad. Explore different genres to gain a wider understanding. This will also provide you with valuable information that you can draw into your reviews. Cultural awareness is important too. The more background information you have on a particular subject, the more you can connect with and relate to it, the more you will find that you have to say. Most importantly, enjoy sharing your views with others! If you do not find enjoyment in writing the review (or recording the video if done in that format), then it is very unlikely that others will care to listen to what you have to say! Reviewing entertainment takes a lot of effort, but it is so very rewarding.
To ask Amy your own questions you can follow her blog: http://www.mcleanamy.blogspot.co.uk/ you can look at the reviews she has made by visiting: http://www.youtube.com/tvcriticamy/ or you can tweet her on: @McLeanAmy.
