I think we all live in a world that is so fast-paced, it's threatening and absolutely saturated with change and novelty and insecurity. Therefore, the ritual of cooking and feeding my family and friends, whoever drops in, is what makes me feel that I'm in a universe that is contained.

Cooking is actually quite aggressive and controlling and sometimes, yes, there is an element of force-feeding going on.

I need to be frightened of things. I hate it, but I must need it, because it's what I do.

I know the crew so well, so I forget I'm being filmed. It's like cooking with a friend in the kitchen - you're talking, as you do, and maybe you're telling her about this wonderful way to prepare lamb chops - it's more natural, more honest.

I don't believe you can ever really cook unless you love eating.

I am determined that my children should have no financial security. It ruins people not having to earn money.

Then again, they're not scripted and I feel it's virtually impossible to be anything but yourself when you're in front of the cameras and cooking so there is a measure of truth in what you see.