About Julian

So, Julian, tell us a bit about yourself...

Well this is strange, I'm used to being the one asking the questions! Well, the potted version is that I grew up in Oxfordshire and from an early age did little bits of work in performing and media - I was a real sucker for attention! My poor family put up with it and supported me all the way. My first proper job in this area was as a travelling reporter on VEE-TV (Channel 4), which led to me working for seven years on BBC See Hear.

Describe yourself in three words.

Tends to exaggerate...!

You work both in front and behind the camera - which do you prefer, and why?

I love the creative aspect of being behind the camera, coming up with ideas and turning them into reality. It's certainly much harder work behind the camera - you have to think of absolutely everything and make sure it all gets covered. Of course, being on camera you are more recognised for the work you do but there's still a lot of preparation and research that needs to be done as well as the actual interviewing and hosting.

How does it feel taking over from Carolyn? Those are big shoes to fill!

I think Carolyn is absolutely terrific and I have to admit I was nervous about filling her shoes! I can't say that I am replacing her as that would be impossible. What I really wanted to do is to change the format of the show to really make it my own and make it different from the show Carolyn presented. And anyway, I don't think I would look as good in leopard print as she does!

Why do you think you're the perfect presenter for Under the Lamp?

I think I missed my true vocation in life - I should have been a detective as I love getting to the bottom of how people behave and why they say and do things. I think this quality helps me to be a strong presenter and interviewer. Under the Lamp is all about probing guests to find out the things the audience don't know about them and I think we have brought some things to light this series that will really fascinate the viewers.

What's your trademark signature for Under the Lamp?

I think my trademark is my enthusiasm - I'm not afraid to throw myself in and get involved and even make a fool of myself if necessary! My trademark sign is definitely the greeting that you see at the start and end of the show with a cheeky wink - look out for it!

If you could go anywhere with Under the Lamp, where would you like to go?

I think it would be amazing to take the show to America - there are plenty of Deaf high achievers such as Marlee Matlin and I King Jordan over there that it would be great to interview - and hilarious to see them do the challenges! They have a very different philosophy and culture over there and I think it would make great television.

What's your favourite part of Under the Lamp?

Of course, the interviews are the most important part; you get to know more about the guests and what makes them tick. But I love watching the challenges as I really think they show you how that person copes under pressure, which can show you things that they might not reveal when they're answering questions.

What's your favourite question to ask, and why?

I think a question that always provokes an interesting response is, "Why are you here on Earth?" That will show you what the person values most in their lives. Either that or, "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" But I'm not allowed to ask any rude questions as the programme is broadcast too early. Darn!

What's your long term aim in television?

I was thrilled to win the Remark! award for Best Male Presenter (many years ago!), which is now gathering dust in my loft. Not really!! I do love presenting and my aim is to break-through into mainstream television and prove that Deaf presenters can work in exactly the same way as hearing presenters do and we don't have to only cover Deaf related topics. I'm sure you've heard many people say that before! But I do mean it.