I don't understand boys - just ask my husband.

When not eating, I like shopping; although I’m afraid I’ve become a bit of a cliche.

If I’m hunting down gifts, I like to buy locally.

Despotism isn’t nearly as bad as it’s cracked up to be.

Why has everything got to be about feelings these days? In the old days, no one knew what anyone was feeling and, what’s more, they weren’t expected to.

I don’t think I’ve got the expertise with which to nit-pick, and I freely admit that my motivation to support charities has been emotional, rather than as a result of being particularly well informed as to how the money is used.

As I was growing up, it was made clear that the fat me wasn’t welcome, that a thin person was expected and awaited, and impatiently so.

Look, I want what’s good for everybody. I want to promote good state education for all. I want to raise standards for all kids, irrespective of race and class but why can’t they all just do what I say when I know I’m right?

If one’s honest about it, spending time in a car with children is pretty ghastly.

As an actress and comedienne, I’m a huge fan of he theatre and the Tricycle in Kilburn is my favourite in London. I dragged my kids to a performance of ‘Twelfth Night’ there, where they handed out pizza. Who knew that all it takes to get children interested in Shakespeare is a snack?