‘I fancied Matt Goss. When Will I Be Famous? was an awakening’: Gok Wan’s honest playlist

The first song I remember hearing
My parents owned a Chinese restaurant in Leicester so we’d spend all our time there as a family. Music was a big part of family life, and they would subject us to Elaine Paige, Matt Monro, the Carpenters and When a Child Is Born by Johnny Mathis, which became the soundtrack to our youth.
The first single I bought
I remember feeling very grownup buying Uptown Girl by Billy Joel on a seven-inch from a record shop called Ainsley’s in Leicester. Don’t laugh. It’s a great song. I’ve still got it in my memory box, with Billy Joel with his guitar on the front.
The song I do at karaoke
I’ve got a voice that cleans ovens, that’s no word of a lie. But weirdly, I can do a good Elvis because I’ve got quite a low voice, so I’d probably belt out a bit of In the Ghetto.
The song I inexplicably know every lyric to
I was subjected to Top of the World by the Carpenters as a kid. I can also do the rap for Know How by Young MC.
The best song to play at a party
I only tend to party with people my age. Once you’ve had a couple of sherries, if you put on a track from your teenage years like Manchild by Neneh Cherry, everyone goes absolutely berserk, as they should.
The song I stream the most
Fast Car by Tracey Chapman has got me through heartbreak and happiness. I’m even a member of her fan club. Or I’m Kissing You by Des’ree, which I love.
The song I secretly like but tell everyone I hateMy older brother was a rocker and would crimp his hair, wear eyeliner and drink Newcastle Brown. I was more of a rave kid, so I could never possibly admit to liking his music. But actually, I really liked Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses.
The song I can no longer listen to
Even if you’re in a happy relationship, Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell – the bit that makes Emma Thompson cry in Love Actually – brings back the heartbreak of a breakup. It’s so beautifully written, it still kills me and makes me cry.
The best song to have sex to
Are there songs to have sex to other than Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye or Smooth Operator by Sade? Maybe a bit of Jive Bunny, too.
The song that changed my life
I’m not even sure I knew I was gay when When Will I Be Famous? by Bros came out as I was still very young, but I really fancied Matt Goss. I guess it was an awakening.
The song that gets me up in the morning
Dream a Little Dream of Me by the Mamas & the Papas is a great summer song, so even in the winter when I don’t want to get out of bed, it makes me cheerful and bright.
The song I want played at my funeral
I already have this in my will: I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor – just so everyone thinks I might pop my head out the coffin as a final windup.
Gok Wan is the new brand ambassador for JD Williams.