Gareth Malone's perfect weekend

Celebrity choirmaster Gareth Malone is battling to get his Military Wives to number one for Christmas. Here, the 36-year-old music maestro tells us how he likes to spend his spare time.

It's Friday afternoon. What's on your mind?

I look forward to a decent takeaway curry and a beer.

Who normally has the pleasure of your company at the weekend?

It's very often my wife Becky and one-year-old daughter Esther. I tend to cram in as many friends as I can. I miss living in a small town where you can pop out to see people.

How do you prepare for a big night out?

A lot of the big nights out recently have been awards ceremonies. I like to get dressed up. I love black tie events. I do like to get my hair cut and get a bit of pampering.

What's your favourite party outfit?

A kilt is probably my favourite party outfit. It gets you noticed.

You've just arrived at the bar. What's your first drink?

If it's a bar that has wine, a nice glass of red. I am fond of a good ale too.

What's your favourite nightspot and why?

My sofa because I'm working so hard. I've been to a few good parties at the Soho House in London too.

What tune always gets you on the dancefloor?

Anything by Michael Jackson. I like Billie Jean and Bad.

It's a sunny Saturday. What are you up to?

I spend a lot of time at the park and hours walking around with a pram at the moment.

What's your most memorable weekend ever and why?

I met my wife on a weekend at a party in London. My ideal weekend is just to be at home and have down time.

What's the recipe for a perfect night in?

A perfect night in is definitely a takeaway or a really nice meal, with good wine and good company.

Favourite DVD? And what would you eat while watching it?

BBC4's series The Killing. I'd eat ginger biscuits. I'm partial to anything with ginger.

Sunday breakfast – cooked or continental?

Cooked.

Sunday lunch – home cooked or down the pub?

I like to have a pub lunch on a Sunday. It has to be good and better than what we cook at home.

Where and how do you like to relax?

When I can, I love to have duvet days where I can catch up on iPlayer stuff. For me a silent day is a good way to reset.

You've got a whole weekend off and a wad of money in your pocket. Which country would you head for?

I'd go to Italy.