I found a lot of comfort in the fact that 30-odd people have been companions before me. I think that when there are so many people contributing so many things to the show, all you can do is make it your own. You can't try to emulate anyone, because who would you pick? The companions are very much the everyman, and the audience watches the story through their eyes, so they could be the person next door. And everybody's different.

I used to be absolutely addicted to the gym and I do still love it.

I always have to have breakfast before I leave the house, even if it's 4 A.M. and I'm not hungry.

I've had journalists beg me to please say something negative about my estate.

I don't have an iPod! It's never appealed to me, really.

My own style is one of not much effort.

I constantly make lists and itineraries and then can't stick to any of them.