I also read modern novels - I have just had to read 60 as I am one of the judges for the Orange Fiction Prize.

I keep telling myself to calm down, to take less of an interest in things and not to get so excited, but I still care a lot about liberty, freedom of speech and expression, and fairness in journalism.

Up until about 12 years ago we never, ever, wore flak jacket or helmets but now the nastiness has got worse.

I sailed through my childhood with a complete lack of any drama.

There was no equal pay law when I started working. I was no different to any other woman in any other job at the time.

It wasn't glamorous in my day. In the regions, reporters were seen as such low life that they didn't merit their name in the Radio Times. Now people are interested in being famous. I never gave it a thought.

I was sent to a nice Church of England girls' school and at that time, after university, a woman was expected to become a teacher, a nurse or a missionary - prior to marriage.