When I was 15, I was naive, looked like a grey mouse and felt second choice.

I was very, very fortunate. I knew that. I've always known that.

I don't mind being laughed at: that's something I really don't mind, and I think that's kept me sane. My ability to laugh at myself and allow others to laugh at me has been my saving grace.

I got to show off in front of my husband, who married me as I was stepping out of the business, so he had no idea that I could strut my stuff on the stage.

I signed up for the musical Tommy in the West End, where I met my husband.

My father has taught me all the tricks of the boys at an early age, which has made me very careful.

The record company really pissed me off when they told me to lose weight. I couldn't be bothered with looking a certain way. So I left the business. I don't regret it.