Car Torque .... with 80s pop star Cheryl Baker

The band won the competition in 1981 with the song Making Your Mind Up. Cheryl, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston still perform around the country, although under the name Formerly of Bucks Fizz.

Cheryl and Mike are also in panto later this year, starring in Jack and the Beanstalk in Folkestone.

For more details on Cheryl visit www.cherylbaker.net or www.formerlyofbucksfizz.co.uk. You can also find her on Twitter @cherylbaker. Cheryl is represented by celebagents.co.uk

What was your first car?

My first car, when I was 18-years-old, was a two-tone blue Triumph Herald with a sunroof. My brother gave it to me when he went to Australia. A couple of years later he came home and wanted his car back so I bought a Mini for £50. No, really, £50!! I was assured it had an MOT, but I wasn't convinced so I sold it without ever driving it - for £80! Then I bought a white Ford Cortina which I still had when Bucks Fizz won the Eurovision in April 1981.

How many times did it take to pass your test?

I passed first time, aged 18. I wouldn't have learnt to drive if it hadn't have been for my sister. She used to drive us to an amateur operatic group every week and one night she almost passed out at the wheel. I felt completely useless because I couldn't take over, so I booked a course of 12 driving lessons the very next day. They cost £2 each. I can't remember my teacher's name, but I remember what he looked like. You wouldn't want to bump into him in a dark alley!

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

My fantasy passenger would probably be John Lennon or Elvis Presley. We'd drive up in the Lake District and we'd sing, talk and laugh.

What is your dream car?

Oh, I'm not bloke-ish about cars. I couldn't care less as long as they're comfy and safe. I have done a lot of charity work with the Kent Ferrari Owners' Club so have been driven in a Ferrari many times. I think they are noisy, uncomfortable and don't have all the whistles and bells that modern cars have, but they're fast - and I don't like going fast!

How would you describe your driving style?

I've been told I'm a good driver, not too fast or slow and never tailgate. My problem is I am gradually becoming short-sighted so I struggle seeing signs properly, especially at night. I now wear glasses for driving, but I don't like wearing them.

Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?

Mike Nolan and I were driving to Earls Court for a gig. We were deep in conversation and the traffic ahead was slowing down. We pulled up behind a lorry and continued chin-wagging. After 20 minutes, Mike got out to see what the hold-up was. There was no hold-up. We had stopped behind a parked lorry.

What are you listening to?

I have my iPhone on shuffle so I listen to a complete mix of music, plus I like listening to the radio, especially late at night. If I'm driving on my own it makes me feel there's someone in the car with me.

What do you drive now?

I drive a Nissan Qashqai. I did a six-month tour playing Mrs Cunningham in Happy Days The Musical and my little Audi A4 was impractical for the amount of driving I had to do, plus it had seen better days. The Qashqai is economical and really comfy. I now use it to drive Mike, Jay and me to Fizz gigs.