I had started working in television but it did not pay that much. I was 27, renting this little one-bed flat in Shepherd’s Bush, West London, with a bathroom so small only someone of my size could actually get in it.

I grew up in a world before people had credit cards. There were no magic cards – it was all about budgeting.

It’s cool to have a well run, comfortable and inviting home.

Whether it’s cushions you only use outside in the summer, or blankets that only come out in the winter, you’ve always got to think of where to store them.

A proper family diary with everyone’s events and parties in it really helps organise the household.

Divorce is the biggest drain, outside of school fees, and nobody wins. People think it is always in the woman’s favour, but it is not necessarily.

I have always liked clothes – throughout my life, my saving grace has been my own vanity.

We should be encouraging people to earn a lot of money. I do not know one wealthy person who does not spend money – and most of them employ other people.

If your fridge is full this Christmas, use nature’s refrigerator – your car!

There’s no getting away from it: you have to clean.