I'm pretty good at getting things out of the way, especially paperwork. I hate it sitting about, as it somehow weighs me down.

Whitley Bay was my first experience of the seaside. I'd buy my bucket and spade, and beach ball, and all the shops were teeming with toys. I used to spend hours on the shuggy boats.

I'd like to break some new ground, maybe in TV presenting, rather than just be an actress.

I've got an overactive, analytical brain. I get frustrated, impatient, angry with myself. I swear at myself a lot.

I've been a single parent for a long time. It reminds me of being a waitress. As you walk back to the kitchen, requests come at you from all sides. You're doing the job of two - you have to be highly organised.

I just want a quiet life. I think that's what everybody says when they get older.

I come from a strong matriarchal line. I was raised by Gypsy, her sister, Mary, and my maternal grandmother. The result of not having my father live with us meant that, when it came to understanding the opposite sex, it was like working without a map.