Musician

Perhaps it is no surprise I became an entertainer because many of my relatives were natural performers. Dad, who had a fine pair of lungs, was master of ceremonies at East Ham working men's club in east London. I felt so proud when I saw him in his white gloves calling out the names of the dances.

You know, your voice can only last for so long. It's a muscle and when you get older it sort of fades away.

I can never waste water. If I cannot drink it I will use it to water the plants and I will never waste food. If it is inedible it goes on the compost heap.

I never, ever go to bed with make-up on; I always make sure I cleanse with Nivea Gentle Cleansing Cream Wash.

I've had the good fortune of having a long and varied career. Looking back, some might think things have been plain sailing but, as with anything, there have been both highs and lows.

When I was 14 or 15, I was in a small troupe for teenagers, and I heard somebody say, 'Oh, she'll never get anywhere. She's too common.'

I am delighted to learn that the small part I played in the campaign to protect the white cliffs of Dover has been so effective.

In the mid-1970s, I even decided to make my own country album. I put the idea to my record company, thinking we'd just go into the studio in the U.K. and make a novelty album. But instead, they suggested I go to Nashville. I was flabbergasted. I hadn't expected that at all.

Dad, who worked as a plumber, was a quiet and undemanding man who liked to laugh - and he was a very good dancer.

People often ask me for the secret to success. Usually, they mean success in the music industry, but I think the answer applies to most things in life: always persevere and never give up.

I don't like a cheater.

Make up your mind what you want to do, and go and get it. Make sure it is not at the expense of anyone else, though.

They didn't like my voice at school.

In wartime you never know what is going to happen, you never know whether you will still be around tomorrow, and that is a great leveller.

There was so little said about the Burmese war. The Forgotten 14th, they called them.

I already am very satisfied by my career. It has been long, diverse and hugely rewarding.

You never know what's going to happen en route to the airport or station and the last thing you want is to get there just as your train or plane is disappearing into the distance. Get there early, read a book, have a coffee and don't get stressed.

I miss the emotion of singing. There is something about it which means you can express emotions to people without actually talking to them.

Mum worked for a London dressmaker before she married. When she was forced to give up work after her marriage, she carried on dressmaking for people at home.

England, through good times or bad, was the only place I wanted to be.