Martina Mercer caught up with James Constantinou to ask ten probing questions. The answers may surprise you.
What is your earliest childhood memory?
My earliest childhood memory was when my best friend at the time, a little Irish boy called Kevin convinced me that one of my shoes could float. We were playing at Victoria Park in east London and were messing around by the lake. Needless to say my shoe did not float and I hobbled back home in fear, dreading having to face my mum. I’m usually good at coming up with reasonable excuses but for the life of me I couldn’t think of one single believable explanation so decided to come clean and tell the truth.
Who was your best friend at school, please describe them. Are you in touch now?
My best friend at school was a guy called Paul, we were totally in tune and got a great laugh at the most ridiculous situations we found ourselves in. Mischief was never far away and we caused chaos almost on a daily basis, whether it was letting the school fire alarm off, flattening the head teachers tyres or prank calling….It sounds very childish now but at the time it was very satisfying. By the way kids, I don’t recommend or condone this type of behaviour.
Did you have a trouble free teenage life? If not, why?
My teens were far from trouble free, in fact I was never far from trouble and found it quite exciting. Expelled at 15yrs of age with no qualifications I drifted aimlessly for a while getting up to mischief and causing my parents much anxiety. I wish I could blame it on something that I experienced at a young age, not getting enough cuddles or being made to eat liver at school but I can’t…..I just think I was wired up that way.
What has been the biggest change in your life so far?
The biggest change for me so far is having two beautiful children. They put everything into perspective and make you realise how insignificant things that you once held in high regard actually are.
Have you made any enemies along your way? How have you dealt with them?
I’ve made enemies along the way but not intentionally. Of course there will be people that don’t like what you do, how you do it or even who you do it with but I’m not here to answer to anyone, I’m in control of my own destiny. I’m sure not all I do is people pleasing but I can sleep at night if others can’t then that’s their problem not mine
Do you have a best friend? Who is it? (If you’d rather not mention names, please just describe the person).
My best friend is someone very close to me who knows all of my faults, all of my strengths and is accepting of who I am. They are hopefully going to be with me for life as friends like these don’t come around that often.
If we were to grant you a wish to change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Absolutely nothing, I’m far from perfect but that’s who I am.
What do you think is the key to happiness?
I don’t think there is a key, if there was I would get them cut (in bulk) and market them. Being comfortable in your own skin might be a start along the road.
What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
My alarm.
What are you doing currently? Please briefly describe your busiest day.
I’m working in the pawnbroking sector. We are often filming for Posh Pawn or promoting the business through the media.
I love the wheeling and dealing side of the business so I’m often involved in putting a deal together, it might be test driving a super car, appraising an art collection or valuing fine jewellery. It’s never boring and no two days are the same which is why I love what I do.
You can find out more about James Constantinou in our other pages and by following Sunday Woman on social media. Also tune into to Channel 4 for Posh Pawn. James is the founder of Prestige Pawnbrokers.
Discover more celebrity answers to our Ten Probing Questions.
