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.

The Welsh... I mean, what are they for?

Teachers are the worst. Just shameless about kicking off their rivals.

My accountant regularly asks to take me to lunch. I always say I can't afford it.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, whos the dumbest of you all?

I like to look put together without trying too hard. I don't want to look as if God's made another rainbow - I prefer muted, autumnal colours, like most fading redheads.

I've always taken risks and bought property well. As journalism wasn't particularly well paid, buying homes and selling them for profit improved my income.