I married two weeks after my 18th birthday, far too young, and by the time I was 23 I was a single mother of three small children, Sean, Daniel and Victoria, living in a prefab house.

Will you lie to me and promise to read them? Books need to be read. The pages need to be turned.

Yes, I hate it when people call me a 'national treasure'. It takes away your bite and makes you feel like a harmless old golden Labrador.

Love is the only thing that keeps me sane.

Most social problems could be helped or prevented if people had more money and practical advice.

I don't know why women are so mad about flowers. Personally, they leave me cold. I prefer trees.

Every time I start a new piece of work, I spend a long while under the duvet thinking I can't do it.

There's only one thing more boring than listening to other people's dreams, and that's listening to their problems.

I think we take it for granted that if you are with your husband after 30 years, then he is the love of your life.

I am from the working class. I am now what I was then. No amount of balsamic vinegar and Prada handbags could make me forget what it was like to be poor.

8.45 a.m. My mother is in the hospital grounds smoking a cigarette. She is looking old and haggard. All the debauchery is catching up with her.

When there is no owner, there will be an abuser.

The existence of broccoli does not in any way affect the taste of chocolate".

To be Despair. It is a portrait. Only close your eyes and feel.

All your youth you want to have your greatness taken for granted when you find it taken for granted you are unnerved.

With my runners now, they get two month-long breaks during the year.

All my stuff is men's fashion. It's always oversized shirts, boyfriend blazers and trousers.

I tend to have a lot of guy friends.

We swung between madness and suicide ... it was beautiful!

I'm more motivated, and I'm just working harder every single day, so it shows in the music, and it shows in the fan base, it shows in all areas when you're bringing it like that.

There was no way to know that certainty would one day become a luxury, too.