I'm very organised these days, and I keep my life in my handbag, like most women.

I never really learned the value of money. My father didn't spoil me, but I think my grandparents did.

I'd been a housewife and mother to our son Thomas Jefferson, and I was looking for a new career. So when my agent called and said a producer named Paul Elliott from E&B productions, the biggest panto company in the country at the time, wanted to meet me I agreed.

I have always worked and I would say I'm generous with money - if somebody needed anything I would always give it to them.

The ideal man doesn't exist. A husband is easier to find.

I was never particularly wild, just very busy and often didn't think about what I was putting into my body. Today things are very different. I stopped smoking in my late 30s; I avoid wheat and gluten as this makes me feel bloated and sluggish; exercise regularly and bounce out of bed.

Back then I was called Dumbo because of my ears. I was called Fatty, too. It was hurtful so I became like the class clown. I became the one who was kicked around.