I went to America on holiday when I was 17 and, before I knew it, I'd been signed up by an agency and had these obligations I didn't understand, but which I couldn't say no to. This industry chose me. But I did choose to make it fulfilling.

I used to wear heels because I wanted to show people I wasn't ashamed of being tall.

It's not vanity to feel you have a right to be beautiful. Women are taught to feel we're not good enough, that we must live up to someone else's standards. But my aim is to cherish myself as I am.

But I do know focusing on the exterior doesn't make me happy. If I want peace and serenity, it won't be reached by getting thinner or fatter.

I don't look at myself in the mirror. I'll flash past a mirror in the morning to check how I'm dressed, that's it.

A few pounds show a lot on my body. But it's okay. I believe women look good with a bit of softness to them.

You check to see the facts are correct where business is concerned but if I read everything that was written about me, I'd end up feeling totally insecure about myself.