Growing up in a business-orientated family meant that I naturally learnt the tricks of the trade.

Balance sheets bore me. I suspect if figures had excited me I would have gone into the city and now be a lot wealthier.

Sad old blokes, I'm told, now dream of me with a whip in hand.

I saw George Bush at a benefit concert actually waving at Stevie Wonder. Someone had to tell him, 'He can't see you.'

I think that in a family some are workers some are not. I certainly saw my mother work very hard and be in charge and never show any kind of fear about business deals. Her golden rule was you should never be embarrassed talking about money and asking for what you deserved. I take the same view.

In an ideal world, I'd be able to do my shows in my pajamas. Luckily I've got one of the best stylists in the business, Rebecca Allen - she knows what looks good on camera and gives it a sexy kick.

When I was about 17, I had a row with my mother and left home for six months, renting a flat and working as a waitress for a while. I learnt you could double your earnings if you gave good, cheerful service. It taught me that in any job you can improve your lot.