At home with... Glenda Gilson

As one Ireland’s best-known models and now a top music TV presenter, Glenda Gilson is fast becoming one of the most familiar faces and voices on the airwaves. Things have certainly moved up a gear for the 26 year-old Dubliner since she took up her position as one of the key presenters on the Irish-owned Bubble Hits music channel.

“It’s like a dream come through for me,” she says of her new role. “I’ve always wanted to work on TV: when I came out of school I went to Ballyfermot College and did the three-year course in broadcast and media which has stood to me. I was modelling on the side, and I still do a lot of that, but TV is what I really wanted to do.”
Home for Glenda is in the West Dublin suburb of Castleknock, near to the Phoenix Park where she still lives with her parents in the house she grew up.
“I actually bought a place just 10 minutes from my parents’ house as an investment, and I have it rented out at the moment,” she explains. “But it’s just me and my brother here, and I get on well with my mum and dad so I’m happy to stay here for the moment. Besides, I love everything about Castleknock. The Phoenix Park, the handiness for getting in and out of town, and I went to school locally, in Castleknock College, and I pretty much know everyone in the area. It’s just so nice to be able to go down to the village and meet people you know and to pop into the local pub and be made to feel welcome. The area has changed a lot in recent years – it was like a country village only ten or 15 years ago, but despite a lot of the recent development, it still has that intimate feel.”
One of her main presenting roles on Bubble Hits is the hugely popular Glenda’s Showbiz Gossip – a four minute entertainment news slot that is repeated and updated throughout the day.
“It’s great fun but it’s hard work,” she says “And I end up going back and forth to London all the time for interviews and gigs. I’m doing the Big Gig, which is a big charity concert like our own Childline. Myself and Liam [co-presenter on Bubble] will be introducing all the acts which should be good fun.”
As music is playing an increasingly important part in her life, Glenda keeps up with the latest sounds by tuning into the radio.
“I listen to the radio every second I’m in the car,” she says. “I love Irish radio and the variety of stuff on it. I used to buy a lot of CDs but I stopped that when the iPod thing came along - it’s just a waste of money. I’d be into everything from current chart stuff to Johnny Cash and Frank Sinatra. And I go to a lot of concerts in Dublin too. I went to loads this year: everything from Aerosmith to the Stones at Slane and The Who in Marley Park. Obviously I have to go to some shows for work purposes, but it’s brilliant to be getting paid for enjoying yourself.”
When she does manage to find time off from her busy schedule, Glenda can usually be found walking the family dog in the Phoenix Park, out for a meal with friends, or relaxing at home in front of the TV.
“I can’t cook so I wouldn’t be cooking meals for people,” she laughs. “I’d rather go out for a meal anyway, but when I’m at home I’m usually plonked in front of the box. I’m a big movie person and I have my own TV room at home as well as a big screen in the bedroom. What do I like to watch? Big classic movies like Apocalypse Now, Midnight Express and Mystic River are three that comes to mind. A friend of mine is an obsessive movie fan so I get recommendations all the time. I watch a lot of TV of course and something like the box-set of Grey’s Anatomy and a packet of crisps and I’m settled down for the evening.”
Meanwhile, the spin-off from her appearances on Bubble means we might be seeing even more of her on the small screen in the near future. “Yeah, there’s been a few offers coming my way and I’m in talks with some people,” she reveals. “I know beggars can’t be choosers, but in all honesty I’d prefer to do something on Irish TV if the chance came up.”