I look at myself objectively and in a way I see myself as a commodity. Your name becomes somehow outside yourself. Now, when I'm at home being Mrs. Scarfe, that's when I'm most myself.

The things you leave school knowing - some dates and long division - so much of it has been of no use to me. Schools should teach the basics of cookery, first aid, how to look after your money and how to speak foreign languages. Useful things.

As a child, I wanted to marry a farmer, but no doubt the reality would have been very different to the idyll in my head.

I've never particularly liked the idea of looking back; I'd rather look forward

People ask what the secret of a happy marriage is. If there is one, it's 'don't talk about it.

I don't agree with the whole 'my mother's my friend' approach, because you're their mum and there has to be a difference between the generations.

I learnt basic cookery by watching my mum.