In the closet with Sky presenter Kay Burley

Kay, 57, has worked for Sky News since 1988 and has hosted more hours of live TV than any other news presenter.

Kay was born in Wigan, Lancashire, and after working for BBC local radio and Tyne Tees she joined TV-am in 1985.

She was recently named broadcast journalist of the year at the London Press Club awards.

She has a son and lives in northwest London.

How would you describe your style?

Classy and sassy.

Which colours and shapes suit you best?

I’m not tall so I look best in fitted clothes – on telly anything loose looks like a tent.

I like bright colours, especially orange and blue, but if I’m feeling fat I wear black.

Which are your favourite high-street brands?

Reiss and Marks & Spencer.

I’m not a label snob.

When I won the broadcast journalist of the year award I wore a simple A-line dress from Reiss.

What do you wear for work?

A fitted dress – Michael Kors is a favourite – with LK Bennett heels.

I have them in all colours.

The right clothes are important.

As David Frost said, “You are invading someone’s living room so you have to look the part before they’ll listen to what you have to say.”

And on the red carpet?

Jenny Packham.

I keep my accessories simple, perhaps diamond stud earrings or a Cartier watch.

Who are your favourite designers?

Michael Kors, Jenny Packham and Alexander McQueen.

Tell us of your involvement with the British Heart Foundation…

My daddy died of a heart attack, as did my good friend David Frost, so this cause is very important to me.

Aged 17, a story about the BHF was the first I covered for my local paper in Wigan, so it’s even more special.

Supporting their 530 charity shops is important and I’m loving their fashion fascinator range.

All profits go to saving someone else’s heart.

Have you a style icon?

Marilyn Monroe. She knew how to use her body and dressed it to its best advantage.

She’s still an inspiration to women of all shapes and sizes.

What is your best beauty secret?

My mum used to say, “By the time you’re 50 you get the face you deserve” – and she was right.

I’ve always looked after my skin and have regular electrical stimulation facials which use Environ skincare products.

I don’t smoke and never, ever, go in the sun.

Are you a hoarder or do you clear out your wardrobe each season?

I’m a hoarder, although I take a load of clothes to the charity shops every six months.

I look after my clothes and shoes.

I didn’t have a lot of possessions growing up and I appreciate them now.

Are you a fan of vintage?

Yes, although it’s not always easy to get the right size.

I have a property in the Cotswolds and visit an amazing shop in Cirencester called Encore. 

How many shoes and handbags do you own?

A lot – but they aren’t my thing.

As long as you’ve a pair of black and neutral court shoes you’ll be fine.

I’ve a few classic handbags – a Chanel, given to me years ago by an admirer, an Alexander McQueen and a Mulberry – but I’ll happily use one from Accessorize.

How do you remain slim?

As soon as I went into Sky’s glass box and viewers could see me from every angle I knew I had to shift some weight.

I lost 20lbs when I gave up sugar.

No chocolate, ice cream, cakes, wine – there’s 300 calories in a glass of wine but only 55 in a gin and tonic, so it’s a no brainer.

And keep fit?

I lie on the floor then get up again, using my upper body to raise me, 100 times a day.

Plus, I use some arm weights and run.

I don’t go to the gym.

What is your current favourite outfit?

A blue dress I first saw when Melania Trump wore it.

Is there an “old favourite” you turn to in a wardrobe crisis?

Now I’ve lost the weight I don’t have wardrobe crises.

I can wear anything in my wardrobe.

What is the most expensive item in your wardrobe? And best bargain?

A Jenny Packham dress that cost many thousands of pounds.

I bought it for the BAFTAs one year but didn’t wear it.

My best bargain is a Michael Kors dress I bought in a sale for $30.

Who made your wedding dress?

It was a friend of my husband’s family but I can’t remember the name.

I’d never part with it and love the fact I can still fit into it.

What is your favourite piece of jewellery?

I have a couple of rings from the “previously cherished” section of John Lewis.

I bought a watch when I celebrated 30 years at Sky, diamond studs for the birth of my son and when I got divorced

I used the diamonds in my eternity ring for my belly button piercing.

I wasn’t going to throw it away. Have you made any fashion faux pas?

Plenty.

But the one that makes me smile is a Rolling Stones Iceberg biker-style jacket bought for the Rock And Roll: The Movie premiere.

What item of clothing would you save from a burning house?

I’d just save my son and my dogs. 

The British Heart Foundation launches The Big Stitch campaign next Sunday.

See bhf.org.uk/thebigstitch.

The charity’s fascinator range is available at BHF clothing shops or from bhf.org.uk/giftshop until the end of August.

Sky News airs weekdays from 6.30am.