Too often, older women are seen as victims, but I know lots of formidable women who have marvellous jobs as well as a full erotic life, and children and friends and family.

Everything is about class in England, whether it's upper, lower or middle. Why should that be?

It's funny, this thing about happiness. It's a commodity that was imported from America in the Fifties. I see myself simply as living my life. . . . I feel it's pushing your luck to define how happy you are.

Truly charismatic people, in my experience, dont come along very often.

I don't believe in expending energy on something you can't do anything about. If there was some easy way of fixing things, I'd probably do it.

Everything has changed. An interview has become such a confrontational thing. It makes you very defensive.

I don't regret the passing of time. I try to live in the present, which should mean my life's full.