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

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.

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.

I have been asked to lend people money - I now only ever give whatever amount is comfortable without thinking it will come back, otherwise when you see that person wearing a new coat or going on holiday you think but yes, where is my money?

Being rich and miserable has got to be better than poor and unhappy.

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.

I adore clothes - they're my weakest link! My mother was the same, and she taught me always to look polished.