Sports presenter Layla Anna-Lee was born and raised in West Hampstead. Earlier this year she hosted the Queen’s Jubilee Party in front of 20,000 people in Trafalgar Square, before being chosen as the voice of the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony – picked by Danny Boyle himself. Layla also presented the Beach Volleyball at the Horse Guard’s Parade.
For her day job, Layla can be found on Sky Sports, covering all major road cycling events and National Championships. She also presents Rugby show O2 Inside Line, and is the face of OK! TV online, covering all their red carpet events.
Where would you like to live?
Hampstead Village would be my dream – no need for a big fancy house, just a cute pad in a secluded spot near the Heath. Living there feels like you are in the countryside and yet one bus and fifteen mins later and you are at Selfridges’ front door. Perfection.
What is your favourite sound or smell?
Baked bread and coffee from the local coffee shop during rush hour in the morning. Being a TV presenter means my hours are not 9-5; I love to sit back and count my blessings with an almond croissant, as suits rush past to catch the tube. Damn I’m lucky.
Voicing the London 2012 Olympic Opening ceremony without a shadow of a doubt. Oh and teaching my puppy to tidy up his own toys. That was a challenge.
What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is the divine Lavender Creme Brûlée from the dessert menu at Kentish Canteen. Oh my wow.
Who or what do you hate and why?
I hate it if a driver gives way to me in my car and my passenger in my car gives the ‘Thank you wave’ for me. I’m driving – and it’s my choice if I wish to wave thank you or not! Damn annoying – major pet hate – now go sit in the back. [Yikes! – Ed]
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
You’re asking this to a girl who’s scrutinized for her looks every day. I’ve even been weighed at castings and was turned down for a chocolate commercial because my BMI was too high. For the record I’m 5’1 and weigh just over 7 stone. My BMI is a healthy 21 but the chocolate company wanted a girl with a BMI of 19. 
Tell us a secret.
I’m wearing my sister’s favourite Saint Kidd vest top. If she finds out she’ll kill me. Oops.
What has your career taught you?
Listen.
What is your favourite dish and why?
Creme de Milho Verde con Frango assado em cerveja. It’s a Brazilian dish of chicken cooked in beer and served with deliciously creamy white sweet corn sauce.
What makes you unhappy?
Winter, if it were without Christmas and without snow. Can you imagine a winter where Christmas is banned and snow never falls? Just sleet, minus temperatures and dark days. I couldn’t cope.
Describe yourself as an animal.
Meow. But don’t tell my dog.
This is the last week that Ich Bin Kentishtowner comes in association with longstanding local the Lord Palmerston, which can be found at 33 Dartmouth Park Hill. So if you want a free starter or dessert to run alongside either the all-day menu or lunch deal (one main & glass of wine/beer for £10), you’d better get a swifty on as it expires on Nov 12. Just mention The Kentishtowner when booking or ordering.