Worst thing anyone’s ever said to me? ‘Son, you might not be mine’
Jordan Jarrett-Bryan a sports journalist and reporter – you may have seen him presenting on Channel 4 during the Paralympics last year. He lives in Waterloo and has lived in south London his whole life. Jordan started his career editing Brixton’s Live Magazine and now works for Channel 4 News, as well as DJing all over the place and playing wheelchair basketball. “I’m a nice guy and single,” he says. “I love walks along Clapham Common, reading books on history, fine wine and travelling. If you’re single too you can contact me on Twitter @_jordanjbryan.” What are you waiting for girls?
When were you happiest?
When I’m south of the river. There’s an energy and vibe in Brixton, Peckham and Clapham that I rarely feel elsewhere.
Where would you like to live?
Brixton, where I was born, is my favourite place in London. Bric-city gets a bad rap; there are some crazy people – but doesn’t everywhere in London have them?
What has your career taught you?
Make yourself indispensable.
What is your earliest local memory?
Being six and and losing my mum in Brixton. Somehow I found my way home – where two police vans were waiting. My mum gave me one beating when they left.
What makes you unhappy?
Other people who are not happy.
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
My quality of life can’t be improved, only destroyed.
What is your most unappealing habit?
I’m opinionated, forthright and headstrong.
What is your favourite local sound or smell?
There’s a Caribbean bakery in Brixton market: the smell of hard dough bread oozing out as you pass is a joy.
Who is your favourite south Londoner?
My parents call him ‘Juicy’, cos he used to sell homemade fruit juices. He’s Rastafarian, rides a BMX and preaches about how the white man is the devil and how the government are trying to keep us down. A one-off.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
The luckiest people in life are also the hardest working.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Will & Grace.
Where do you hang out locally?
My flat is my hangout.
Who or what do you hate and why?
Bad manners, people who make excuses, people who hold back others.
What’s your best experience locally?
My school days. I went to Archbishop Michael Ramsey in Camberwell and met some of my best friends.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My smile.
What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
Son, you might not be mine.
What is your favourite dish and why?
Anything with fish. I just love fish.
The house I live in is…
…extremely nice smelling and secure.
What is your greatest life achievement?
Making myself happy. Happiness the most important thing but not the easiest.
What have you been up to today?
Work/eating/filming/editing/being generally great.
Your favourite south London building or landmark?
My mum’s.
Describe yourself as an animal…
A mix of wolf, fox and parrot: ruthless and confident with too much to say.
