Sima Kotecha

New York reporter

Where are you from?
Basingstoke - same place as Liz Hurley!

What were you doing before Radio 1?
I worked on a TV movie show in New York.

Best part of the job?
Meeting lots of interesting people who you'd never imagine getting the chance to sit down and have a chat with. Very surreal.

Worst on air moment?
Tripping over my mic at the Toronto Film Festival last year.

Three words that describe you:
Ambitious, enthusiastic, giggly.

Advice to anyone who wants to get started in journalism:
Persevere. It's not an easy industry to get into but if you want it bad enough, it'll happen. Don't give up if you get it wrong first time round and don't be embarrassed to admit your weaknesses. Listen to advice given by people you trust.

Who would you most like to interview?
Hugh Grant (got a soft spot for him). Oh, and Jeremy Paxman.

My top three albums ever are:
Damien Rice - O
Coldplay - A Rush of Blood To The Head
Marvin Gaye - Greatest Hits

Who's your favourite news reporter?
Brian Barron, BBC New York correspondent. He's great on screen and makes the job look so natural and easy. He's always giving me tips and encourages me when I'm having a bad day.

I spend my time off:
Watching films, having a pint with me mates, going to the gym.

If wasn't a news reporter I'd be...
An actress.