I'm a sucker for turquoise sea, white beaches and palm trees. I've been to the tropics every year since I could afford it. It's the perfect place to unwind. I can chill out, read, do a bit of yoga.

In America they like my spicy TV alter ego, probably because there were a lot of Italians and Hispanics in the country, but the real L.A. life is a hard-working one.

I think a lot of people have a vision of L.A. in which TV executives and movie directors plan their latest productions by the swimming pool.

It's horrible how money and fame can make you acceptable while, if you're not famous or rich, you're not acceptable.

I eat well, but I don't believe in diets.

Mum had a job fitting upholstery into cars, but, in the evenings, she worked as a seamstress.

I'm with people all the time so I often go away on my own.