Whenever people have those “ultimate dinner party” conversations, there are a few names you can guarantee will be tossed into the ring. Elvis and Einstein are popular picks, so are Marilyn Monroe and Mother Teresa.

They are all suitable options and, presumably, quite interesting guests. (Though I suspect Mother Teresa might change the vibe slightly, what with all the anecdotes about suffering.)

I’ve always maintained that Oscar Wilde would top my invite list. A true raconteur, famous for his wit and flair, not to mention two of the greatest literary works of all time, The Importance of Being Earnest and The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde ticks all the boxes. Sure, he might forget to bring a dish, but he would always bring the vibes.

For as long as I can remember, I have been someone who considers talking, worrying and most importantly, checking on the weather an important part of my daily ritual. Credit: Michael Howard

I like to assume we’d get along famously, but I know there is one subject that would inevitably lead to a butting of heads: the weather. You see, I am someone who finds it hard not to talk about the weather. In contrast, Wilde considered it a topic reserved for those with nothing more interesting to say, famously declaring: “Conversation about the weather is........

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