Britt Ekland

“I've been doing Pilates since 1974, I lift weights, I power walk every day and I run backwards. That's sometimes a little hard when you're not on your home turf, because you've got to find a place where there are no bumps in the way - or people.”

“I was so beautiful but I didn't realise it for years. I saw pictures of myself and even I was stunned.”

“Back then I was called Dumbo because of my ears. I was called Fatty, too. It was hurtful so I became like the class clown. I became the one who was kicked around.”

“I'm very organised these days, and I keep my life in my handbag, like most women.”

“I had a husband who, I'm convinced, was an undiagnosed manic depressive. He didn't treat me as if I had a brain - I was just this beautiful little doll he could show off.”

“George Hamilton is one of the funniest men I have ever known.”

“I used to collect vintage clothing - exquisite lace dresses, embroidered shawls and ornate jewelry - but that's just not me any more.”

“I dieted all the time in the Sixties, but we had no idea what dieting meant - we thought it meant not eating anything.”

“I am good at down grading - I have found I can live the same lifestyle in a two-bedroom apartment as in a five-bedroom house.”

“I am as far from a hypochondriac as you could ever be.”

“I have always worked and I would say I'm generous with money - if somebody needed anything I would always give it to them.”

“As for the stage fright, it never goes away. When I'm waiting in the wings to go on, it's agony every single time but I stay focused and I know that once I'm on stage it'll be fine; I'll be in my happy little bubble.”

“I broke my ankle ten years ago so high heels are not an option unless I'm literally going door to door for a function.”

“Think of your pension and start saving. Like my father, I have been a spendthrift, and I regret that.”

“The idea of doing theatre always terrified me because I get terrible stage fright. In the early 1970s I was offered a panto but the thought of going on stage was just too mortifying.”

“I used to smoke cigarettes, ten a day, but gave up when I was 28. Now my vice is several cups of coffee a day, which isn't great if you're prone to weak bones as I am, as caffeine can leach calcium.”

“I never really learned the value of money. My father didn't spoil me, but I think my grandparents did.”

“Little bitty bags are completely impractical - I like big slouchy bags because they have to be comfortable for my lovely wee Chihuahua Tequila, who comes everywhere with me. I'm devoted to him, now my kids have long since flown the nest.”

“I love luxury, I love the high life, and I have to foot the bills - I have received practically nothing from my marriages and relationships.”

“I spend hours mowing the lawn in absolutely straight lines on my tractor. If it's not right, I do it again.”