What is the meaning of life?

To love and be loved in all its forms. Wow, what a first question! You don’t get asked that every day.

What is the difference between right and wrong?

All I know is: two wrongs do not make a right. And nobody’s perfect; ain’t nobody right all the time.

Where is your happy place?

Somewhere with music in the sunshine and nothing but good vibes with good peeps. If my dog Ella, named after the Rihanna song Umbrella, could be with me at all times that would make me happy.

Nature or nurture?

A combination of both.

Is it more important to be liked or respected?

It’s more important to like and respect myself first, then what other people think is less relevant.

If you could be remembered for one thing what would it be?

As a kind and generous person who always brought sunshine into others’ lives. And for doing something that no one else has ever done.

Who or what is your greatest love?

“Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.” I sing this in my best Whitney Houston voice!

When did you last lie?

Lying isn’t worth all the bad vibes it creates so I try to live without them. I believe in karma and people read me so easily even if I try and fib, I have the worst poker face ever.

Does the supernatural exist?

Yes, I believe it does.

Are you fatalistic?

To some extent yes. When things don’t happen in my life, I believe that I’ve been pushed into another path for a reason and there’s a bigger picture.

What is your greatest fear?

Heights. There was no way I could hide this when I was on Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, but I managed to face my fear head on every day.

Animals or babies?

Both. Especially baby animals.

What talent do you yearn for?

To play the guitar and sing like Adele and dance like Beyoncé at Coachella.

Do you like to be complimented?

I’m not good with it to be honest. I get embarrassed. Indirect compliments are always better for me.

Do you have a high pain threshold?

Sometimes I think it’s too high. Ask my ankles after a 26-year career in football.

What book do you recommend most to others?

I love it when people who know me give me books that are philosophical and make me think about the world such as The Celestine Prophecy [by James Redfield] and The Gold Mine Effect [by Rasmus Ankersen].

Which lesson has been the hardest to learn?

My hardest lesson has been my most fruitful too: that when people don’t believe in me, I can prove them wrong.

What food sums up happiness?

Home-cooked Caribbean food always reminds me of good memories with my nan, who is from Jamaica.

What have you never understood?

The universe, matter and especially black holes. It’s all just beyond my comprehension. In sport, I’ve never understood why people are selfish in teams. Individually, we get further when we work as a team. Oh, and rude people. Karma will always come back to bite you if you put out bad juju.

What is the one thing you want to know before you die?

Is there really life beyond here or do you come back?

Are you scared of dying or what happens when you die?

I’m not scared of dying because it’s inevitable. I try to live every day how I want to, so there’s no fear of not accomplishing something or squeezing something in before I go.

Quinoa or Quavers?

I actually just visited [lifestyle coach] Jason Vale’s juice retreat in Portugal so it has to be quinoa or he wouldn’t be too happy with me. Plus, I don’t like Quavers.

Alex Scott is a presenter of the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup 2018 on TV, radio and online.

Images: Getty / BBC