GORDON Burns will forever be remembered as the presenter of TV’s the Krypton Factor. He is also a former presenter on BBC North West Tonight. He now co-owns the Gordon Burns Partnership, which specialises in reputation management, media communications and media training. For more on Gordon follow him on Twitter @MrGordonBurns or visit www.gordonburnspartnership.co.uk

What was your first car?

It was a two-tone Hillman Minx, blue and white. It had a bench seat in the front so the car took six people. I don't know how much it cost because I bought it on the HP! I can still remember the registration number though, 381 CLE. I worked on a local newspaper in Northern Ireland and was the only young journalist with a car, so I had the big advantage in attracting young ladies!

How many times did it take to pass your test?

I passed it first time after only three weeks’ practice. The man next door taught me. I chose to do the test in a town called Newtownards in County Down because in those days in had no traffic lights! I was so thrilled and proud when I passed aged 19, but expected to be failed.

I drove pretty well in the test but had a habit of driving with one hand on the gear shift and the other hand on the steering wheel. Three times during the test the instructor barked: "Both hands on the wheel!" I thought I'd blown it.

But he said at the end that while he'd seriously considered failing me, he reckoned I'd probably keep doing it for the rest of my days and as my test was good he would be generous. And he was right - I still to this day drop my left down to the gear lever despite my car being an automatic!

Who would be your ideal fantasy passenger and where would you go?

As it's fantasy I would presume I was young and unattached and would therefore invite glitzy, stunning film star Marilyn Monroe. I would drive her to the nearest secluded spot to discuss her career of course and to find out if the rumours surrounding her death were true.

The Northern Echo: Marilyn Monroe Faux Pas

What is your dream car?

My dream car is the one I drive now, a Jaguar XJ though an Aston Martin would be a bit special. I've been lucky enough to drive Jags now for around 20 years but this one is definitely the best. It's is beautifully designed inside, so comfortable and is a joy to drive with little or no engine noise and really good sharp acceleration. Sadly, as I am now largely retired it will be the last I can afford - unless the lottery comes up!

The Northern Echo: The new Jaguar XJ is an altogether more vigorous and exciting model than its predecessor

How would you describe your driving style?

Calm and safe. I may be tempting fate but I've never ever had an accident and I try the best I can to obey the speed limits as they are there for a reason. I suppose some would call me a boring driver, but hey, I'd rather be boring than dead!

Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?

It's back to my first car, that Hillman Minx. I was at a late-night beach party on the stunning County Antrim Coast. It got to the early hours and was getting chilly. To warm up, my pal, also a reporter on the local paper, and myself slipped into the back seat of my car with a young lady we both fancied. I felt I had the edge not least because I was the one with a car! The young lady sat in the middle. I was feeling happy and content and then my heart leapt. I felt a hand arrive on my thigh and seconds later came a little squeeze...and then another. Wow! Clearly I had scored. I had won the battle for her affections over my pal. Happy, I glanced down at my thigh and my mood dramatically changed. "Tony" I said to my journalist pal, "that's my leg you're feeling!"

What are you listening to?

The Northern Echo: THE Rolling Stones are heading to Somerset.

If you mean music, I'm a big fan of the Rolling Stones and of course 60s music, the music of my youth. It brings back so many great memories. The Beatles are well up there too and I'd have to add Ed Sheeran of course not least because he is a cousin of mine but I do genuinely like his work, plus he is a really nice genuine lad with his feet firmly on the ground thanks largely to his lovely family.

In truth I don't listen much to music in the car. I have BBC Radio 5Live on most of the time as I'm a real news and sports junky.

What do you drive now?

Already answered that - a Jaguar XJ saloon. Maybe with a second mention, Jaguar will be reading this and offer me an irresistible deal for a new one! Think I'm back to that fantasy world! Still there's always the lottery. You just never know.