I don't think you're happier if you're thin or beautiful or rich or married. You have to make your own happiness. My heroines do not become beautiful elegant swans, they become confident ducks and get on with life.

You can't lay down laws for what people think and hope.

I look placid, you see, that's why people think I'm fine. Inside I worry a lot.

I think I was dealt a good hand. I have happy genes.

I am not a member of Fat Liberation, nor do I think that obesity is healthy. But I do believe that in many ways my life has been a more charmed and happy one because I was always large.

Because I saw my parents relaxing in armchairs and reading and liking it, I thought it was a peaceful grown-up thing to do, and I still think that.

I think you've got to play the hand that you're dealt and stop wishing for another hand.

I think I'm brave because I've made decisions based - I hope not entirely selfishly - on what I think is right for me to do next.

I remember watching myself on video and being so disappointed with myself because I was constantly moving around the place and laughing. I thought, 'I must be so much louder than I think I am. From inside it feels fine.'