Dancer

I was engaged at 16 to Nigel Tiffany and he's now my financial adviser, so we've been friends all these years.

I'm the happiest at home when I get a visit from my daughter-in-law, BC Jean, and Mark Ballas, my son. They'll pop round for breakfast or I'll attempt to cook them a meal. That's the most special time for me.

I just remember one girl really getting me on the field and beating the holy crap out of me. I never to this day know why. And then people used to be funny because we were on welfare. People used to make fun of you. But I used to get school dinners so I thought it was great, I got a hot meal every day.

I met my first dance partner when I was about 17 or 18 and we were married by the time we were 18 or 19, I don't remember the exact date, and everything was dance, dance, dance. Then there came just a short space of time where I was wondering whether I was missing out on anything. Back then when you danced, everybody married their dance partner.

I thought I'd have this fantastic bust and everyone would look at me and think I was amazing. After the operation I did feel fantastic: I'd put a bra on and I had a cleavage.

Ballroom is a man's world. It's tough for women, particularly single women. But I've never expected life to be anything but tough.

Ever since I was a little girl I always wanted to be so perfect.

I don't want to go into a relationship that can't go anywhere.

Aside from dancing, the biggest and proudest moment of my whole entire life was when my son Mark was born.

I've discovered if you have a small circle of people you know you can rely on - in good times, bad times, happy times, sad times - who aren't going to judge you and will, sometimes, just sit and listen to you without saying anything, then I think you're very fortunate.

I had breast implants done to save my marriage. It was the sorriest day of my life.

Curvy women are gorgeous. All women are gorgeous.

I like the table to be beautiful with flowers and a nice tablecloth. I'm the hostess with the mostess.

People get embarrassed about admitting they feel low but you can't help the way you feel. Which is why exercise, taking vitamins and having time out for meditation are so important.

I'm not a judgmental person because I have been judged all my life.

How many years did I waste worrying about the way I look? I'm almost 60 and it has taken me all these years. Don't wait until you get to my age to realize that you are beautiful.

I'm paranoid about mosquitoes.

Riches and fame don't come close to having family members and close friends who really care for you.

There was some bullying going on in my industry, which I felt particularly when I was growing up and as I got older.

The first thing I do in the morning is pick up my cell phone and call my mother to check that she's ok, and the first thing I do in the evening is call my mother to see how she's doing, and my son to see how his day went.