A. J. Odudu

If you're lucky enough to have a Black friend who has tolerated your racist parents while you turned a blind eye to the mistreatment they've suffered, maybe start by saying sorry, and then actually change the record. It is that change that could literally save lives, or at the very least, save friendships.

The biggest obstacle when I was younger was geographical. I was living in Blackburn and the ITV and BBC studios were in London, and I thought: 'How do I get there? I need to be there.'

I don't want to change who I am or where I'm from and online I don't hesitate to delete and flex the block button.

Carbohydrates have been unjustly vilified as the cause of weight gain.

In Blackburn where I grew up, there was no other black children.

I'm really playful with eyeshadows and love to experiment with colour.

I have taken pride in my pain, knowing full well that I am stronger than those who have none and despite the many injustices that still exist in our world, the racial disparities that continue and the bigotry that pervades I still remain hopeful about the future.

When you're comfortable in what you're wearing, I think you get the most out of your workout.

When I spoke to pupils at Sydenham School in London, I was shocked and saddened to hear some of the teenage girls say they felt pursuing a career in television was not even worth the effort as a Black woman.

Being born and raised in Blackburn, it was difficult for me to even visualise how I get to London to embark on a career in broadcasting and TV.

I like to have the first hour of my day without looking at my phone, the news, the TV or anything. I put on some music, have a shower, have a coffee with oat milk, set my intentions for the day before I do all of that.

I like to use the stage and there's nothing subtle about me.

Excessive eating and lack of exercise are to blame for weight gain, not carbohydrates.

A good night's sleep makes a massive difference to my day.

Many companies are now promising to educate their employees in a pursuit of a culture that better values and respects diversity and the incredible work of black authors, black owned businesses and grassroot foundations are finally being recognised.

My bedroom is the place where I wake up to a fresh start each and every day, so it was important that it felt calming.

I just think we need to keep having open, honest, and encouraging conversations to ensure people are represented across all industries including our TV screens when it comes to diversity.

2020 is not the year for my love life, sadly.

If yoga was the only thing I'd ever done, maybe I'd think exercise is boring, but there's more to exercise than downward dogs, or running, or squats.

I'd like to inspire Black girls to think: 'If she can do it, I can.'