This Friday one of Britain's best-loved divas will be taking to the stage at Fairfield Halls. Ahead of the gig, Jane McDonald talked to Phil Penfold about reality television, living out of a suitcase and her ambition to act.

Phil Penfold: You still live in your home town of Wakefield in Yorkshire?

Jane McDonald: Yes, I share my bungalow home with my wonderful mother. It’s a fairly big place so we both have our own space and we don’t get on each other’s nerves. She’s everything to me, mother, sister, wife, best friend, the lot.

PP: How did you get involved with Loose Women?

JM: The production team called up and asked if I’d like to be one of the contributors. I first thought ‘What on earth have I got to offer them? Expressing opinions, am I going to be totally out of my depth?’ But we really do discuss all manner of topics and I’m rather surprised to find how old-fashioned I am.

PP: You’re always so bright and cheerful so tell us something you hate?

JM: Living out of a suitcase. I really do like having my home comforts around me and kicking off my shoes to relax in my home surroundings. But all I ever seem to do is pack, unpack, and then get in the car to go somewhere. But I really don’t want to change anything about my lifestyle, I am married to my work.

PP: What about all the reality shows on TV?

JM: I’m not much of a fan of shows like Big Brother and XFactor makes me cringe. I know The Cruise was reality TV but it was a genuine documentary about pretty ordinary people doing their jobs in less than ordinary circumstances. I struggled for years to get the break I wanted and I’ve worked darned hard for everything I’ve achieved.

PP: Did you enjoy the BBC's return to The Cruise last year?

JM: While I didn’t actually get back to the ship we were all on it was fun seeing footage of those days. Fun and a bit of a shock as well because I kept on thinking ‘Who on earth did your hair, girl?’ and ‘What on earth possessed you to wear that frock!’ PP: Any ambitions left?

JM: Plenty. I’d love to get some straight acting work to prove that I can speak as well as sing. It would be another string to my bow and a challenge. And I always rise to a challenge, that’s a huge part of my nature.

Jane McDonald, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, November 20, 8pm, £22.50. Call 020 8688 9291 or visit fairfield.co.uk.