Nia: How would you describe your relationship with your clothes?

I don’t go out of my way to dress up like I used to – I don’t see much point. I wouldn’t go to buy a suit unless I had a funeral or a wedding to go to.

Nia: You had something of a turning point in your life some time ago didn’t you?

Yes, a back problem stopped me from doing what I wanted to do. I couldn’t walk and had to do a lot of sitting or lying around looking at these four walls closing in on me. It’s sorted now apart from some problem with the nerve which will never go away. The tablets help but it has changed my life. I don’t go out, I don’t drink like I used to, I don’t wear suits. I tend to wear comfy shoes like trainers to do everything around the house. Hi-tech Silver Shadows to do everything!

Nia: Now Eleanor is coming here to help you evolve your style – to encourage some kind of change. How do you feel about that?

Well, I suppose it depends what she’d intending to do! If she’s going to try and throw things out, I’m going to ask for them back! I don’t have that many clothes apart from fishing clothes, work clothes and everyday clothes.

Eleanor: This shirt is dated – it looks like something from the Wham era – this thin silk and the pattern. And this jumper, it’s a bit old-fashioned and not up-to-the-minute.

I’m not up-to-the-minute!

Eleanor: I’m going to make you up-to-the-minute! When was the last time you went shopping?

Good question – I can’t remember!

Nia: If you had a list of priorities, at what number would you put ‘comfortable’ and at what number would you put ‘fashionable’?

Comfort first and fashion last!

Nia: What about your ‘Silver Shadows’?

I’m not getting rid of them – there’s no way!

Eleanor: Hi-tech Silver Arrows?

Silver Shadows! The Silver Shadows are here forever! The factory’s safe wherever it is, tell them!

Eleanor: You look much better in these new clothes. You’re going to look a lot younger because you’ve been wearing these old things! They’ve made you look older, in my opinion. Here’s a few pairs of trousers for you – they’re quite smart but you could also wear them as casual trousers. There’s more colour, because you’ve been wearing clothes which are too dark for you, and one good coat – I hope you’ll like it and then maybe I’ll do something with your hair. There’s fashion and then there’s style, and it’s important not to wear things which will date.

Nia: Have you enjoyed the experience?

I’ve enjoyed the fun of it and I’ve learnt something new, because I never used to think about clothes before. I’ll think a bit more about what I wear in the future – it’s not every day you get pampered!

Nia: If you went to work in your new clothes, I don’t think you’d get stick, I think you’d be pleasantly surprised because everyone would say you looked great!