WHO IS NADIA SAWALHA?
Actor, writer and two-time marathon runner, Nadia Sawalha has appeared in films including Slave of Dreams and Clockwise, and is a regular face on TV. She is perhaps best known for her roles in soaps such as Casualty and Eastenders, and on Loose Women. She survived several weeks in the Big Brother house and is a previous winner of Celebrity Masterchef. ‘ I quickly learned what a remarkable organisation the RNLI is’

Home cook, columnist and vlogger Nadia Sawalha tells us how seeing a rescue inspired her and Kaye Adams to broadcast live to the nation in support of RNLI Fish Supper

How did you get into cooking?
When I was growing up, my family would eat together around the kitchen table. My dad is Jordanian and he is an amazing storyteller. He would entertain us with stories of his life as a Bedouin. It’s how I learned to communicate and it’s also how I learned to cook. Through my dad I have a real love of middleeastern food – Lebanese mezze especially, and syrupy pastries. With a good mezze – with all the roasted meats, garlic sauces and salads – you can eat for hours!

You served up a delicious spicy seafood tagliatelle for Fish Supper. Where did the idea for the dish come from?
It actually belongs to my sister Dina who, as well as being well travelled, is a fantastic cook – much better than me. She brought the recipe back from Naples, where the custom is to splash vodka into the tomato sauce.

Why did you decide to get behind this year’s campaign?
The RNLI had always been there so I’d never really thought about it in any detail. Then, one day, I was approached by two RNLI volunteers on the seafront. They told me all about the RNLI and how they had family on the crew. They were such fabulous young people. I thought: ‘Crikey, what a remarkable organisation this is!’ The next day there was a commotion on the quay. People were running, screaming and shouting. A labrador had gone into the sea after a ball and got caught in the strong current. There was panic. It looked like the dog was going to die. One guy was taking his top off to jump in. Then the RNLI turned up and said: ‘Listen, if you jump in you’re going to die.’ The crew went in and saved the dog’s life, and afterwards everyone started applauding. These people are incredible, risking their lives time after time. I was really pleased when the RNLI asked me to get involved. I loved the idea of using a dinner party. Volunteers get called out in the middle of dinner, not knowing where they’re going or what they’ll be faced with.

What dish would you recommend for lifeboat crews?
It would have to be something that would heat up well. I’d recommend a really nice casserole cooked in a slow cooker, or stew and dumplings with potatoes.

What can you tell us about your new book?
The book’s called Disaster Chef and is due out in the spring. Basically, it’s for anyone who can’t cook. We all buy beautiful cookbooks, which we rarely use to cook with. People increasingly just want to be able to get meals on the table.

How would you feel if your daughters decided to sign up as crew?
I’d feel enormously proud, but at the same time I’d be petrified. I’d hope I’d be brave enough to
accept Maddie and Kiki joining the crew. But I’m ashamed to say that I might try to talk them out of it!
Interview: Robin Westcott
Photo: Mark Adderley

MY FAVOURITE …
Thing to eat?
Bread. Every single type of bread known to man. For my last supper put me in a room full of bread with a kilo of butter, and I’ll be happy.
Coastal spot?
I adore Cornwall. Of all the places I’ve travelled in the world, Cornwall is my favourite place to be. My mum’s family were Cornish and I’ve always felt a connection with the place. The sea there is so beautiful.
Way to relax?
Without doubt, walking by the sea, around Mudeford in Dorset – the four of us, with our two cockapoos Toffee and Cheeky. I have to force the children to go out, but within 10 minutes they’re loving it.