Megan Nicholls: 'I accidently swore on camera - it's fair to say everyone has done it'

Over the course of the next few weeks we will bring you a series of app-exclusive Q&As with star racing broadcasters. Next up: former jockey and ITV Racing pundit Megan Nicholls

How did you get into TV?

I got into it while I was riding after Martin Dwyer put my name forward for a Through The Keyhole-style feature Racing TV was doing a few years ago. It was a bit of fun and things just went from there. I did more with Racing TV and then Matt Chapman was a huge help in getting me some work with ITV, which has been great.

Who were your TV heroes?

There are people in different aspects of TV that I look up to, and in racing naturally it would be Ed Chamberlin, who is a great presenter and is a bit of a hero in my eyes. Outside of racing I would have to say Ant and Dec, they are absolute legends and surely heroes to everyone.

What's your favourite meeting?

This is a really hard one, so I'll divide it between jumps and Flat. My favourite jumps meeting is the King George, for obvious personal reasons. I've loved being at Kempton on Boxing Day for a long time. For the Flat, I would have to go with Royal Ascot. As much as I love the Ebor meeting and Goodwood, I think Royal Ascot has to win – it's just amazing.

What's your worst meeting?

I suppose any of your middle-of-the-winter average jumps or all-weather cards when it's freezing and there is nothing exciting happening. When it is that cold and the racing is pretty poor then it's not much fun at all.

What's the funniest thing you've seen on a racecourse?

Aintree's Grand National meeting can be quite entertaining. Once there was an owner who had a couple of runners and she went to the paddock to watch the first and somehow managed to snap her heel off, which isn't ideal. She wobbled back to the owners and trainers area but had a runner later on the card in one of the bigger races and was desperate to go out and see her horse. She was running around trying to find someone who had similar-sized feet, which was absolutely hysterical. She ended up borrowing some random lady's shoe just to see her runner.

What's the key to doing your job well?

Making sure I've prepared, which is the same with any job I've done but is key for presenting. Also it's important to make sure you work well with who you are on air with. If I'm a pundit on Racing TV with a presenter in the studio we need to help each other and it's the same with ITV – there's a bigger team on camera there but you have all got to work together otherwise it makes for poor television.

What was your most embarrassing moment on TV?

Probably accidentally swearing on camera. I think it's fair to say everyone has done it. It's easy to forget the cameras are on all the time and you can end up saying something you shouldn't. It's not great but I guess it's the perils of live television – it's only natural and we all make mistakes at some stage.

Which horse are you most looking forward to running again?

Hermes Allen. He's been really impressive on his two starts this season and looks a very exciting prospect.

Who wins the King George?

It has to be Bravemansgame.

Read our exclusive TV presenter Q&As: 

Ed Chamberlin: 'Des Lynam is my ultimate TV hero - he could do anything'