Listen -- strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.

There is nothing better than playing a scene with John Cleese or Maggie Smith. It's electric. But I don't think I'm the sort of person who needs to have an outer ego in order to produce something. I realised that through the travel programmes.

I cut down trees, I skip and jump, I like to press wild flowers. I put on women's clothing and hang around in bars.

Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life

I've never particularly liked travelling with large groups or being told where to go by somebody else. I prefer to find out for myself.

There are many ways of seeing the world. You can hang upside down from a meteor, volunteer to be the fourth stage of a three-stage rocket, or simply get in a balloon and keep going. But if it's sheer, unadulterated discomfort you're looking for, just stay on land.

I have been unusually blessed in that I've been allowed to pursue two strands of a career that both delight me and seem to please the public.