STEVE Leonard is a TV wildlife presenter and vet. He has presented programmes such as Vets In Practice, Vets In The Wild, Orangutan Diary and Operation Wild. Steve is appearing at the Radio Times Festival on September 24. He will be joining top wildlife presenters Martin Hughes-Games and Doug Allan at the event at The Green at Hampton Court Palace. For more details visit www.radiotimesfestival.com/programme. For more information on Steve Leonard please visit www.steveleonard.co.uk. You can follow him on Twitter @ThatVetOffTheTV
What was your first car?
The first car I ever bought with my own money was a 1983 110 Land Rover. I still own it. I had to rebuild it from the chassis up as it was falling apart. It still is in a slightly less alarming way.
How many times did it take to pass your test?
I passed first time, one month from my 17th birthday. I had a few proper lessons and also terrified my Dad when I confused a request to pull over with an emergency stop.
Who would be your ideal fantasy passenger and where would you go?
I genuinely can’t think of anyone better than my wife. She makes me laugh and doesn’t complain about my driving. Where would we go? Off-road! Deepest darkest anywhere!
What is your dream car?
Just one?!? Classic VW camper van. I drove one round New Zealand on a shoot and loved it - or a Range Rover Sport.
How would you describe your driving style?
In one word - hypocritical. I’m an uncomfortable passenger, but I drive too quick myself. I’m slowing with age which is good but I am the offspring of two former racing drivers - mum was a National Grasstracking Champion in the 70s.
Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?
Dad used to supply me and my brothers old bangers to drive at university. I had a knackered old Passat that the rear wheel trailing arm rusted loose on, that caused the wheel to swing back into the wheel arch stopping me dead.
After a chat with my Dad on the phone he persuaded me to tie it back in place with some rope and limp it back to my digs so he could pick it up on the trailer at the end of term. I could only find washing line which worked well and enabled me to get it the couple of miles required.
However, it was raining the next morning so I couldn’t be bothered to walk to Uni. I drove the car with the back wheel tied on with washing line around Bristol for the next two weeks and then the 125 miles home at the end of term. My Dad had a fit!
What are you listening to?
In the car I mainly listen to Radio 4, radio comedies or science podcasts. Sad I know. When I do listen to music I crank it up loud but sing even louder.
What do you drive now?
I still have the Landy for occasional rough work but my day to day vehicle is a VW T5 self-converted camper van. I have travelled the globe but just love holidaying in the UK in a van. I also have a BMW GS1200 motorbike which I wouldn’t be without
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