I've always paid off my mortgage as much as I could.

My parents explained: "You can either have a big Christmas and birthday present or we'll go abroad." We'd say: "Let's go abroad!" We had a lovely childhood.

I applied for three jobs in record companies and was offered all of them. I took the most glamorous-sounding job in the promotions department and it began my love affair with the music industry.

When I bought my first house in London with my husband-to-be, our surveyor said: "Nicki, you're paying top dollar, but it's not an investment," and I said: "But we're buying a home, not an investment."

While waiting for my visa, I got a job in the music industry, which was so exciting, it changed my life and stopped me moving.

I think Amy is a really difficult example. With any artist, none of us understands what it's like having the world's media scrutinising everything you do.

If you get up every morning and smile, it's a good place to be.