Once I was on a plane and a woman said to me, ‘Now, what’s the matter with my tomatoes?’ And I said, ‘Well, it’s a bit difficult to see from here.’ She took offence and said, ‘I was only trying to be friendly.’

Oh, and I have to mention one lady who does all of my book covers in cross stitch and frames them. Muriel. She’s amazing. I just received one for my latest, Love And Dr Devon, actually. It’s very sweet of her to do it.

I don’t spend much on clothes. I buy old books. I tell myself I ought to save – it’s the classic Northern work ethic. I like good holidays, though. I’m a big fan of cruises. I love unpacking once and having the scenery change every day.

I think I was always realistic – well, not the Percy thing, that was ridiculous – but I never dreamed of being a racing car driver or anything.

I get up to 400 letters a week, so I have a full-time PA, but I try to answer everything. People don’t seem to realise that if they send something living in the post it’s going to die on the way. Especially when you wrap it in a polythene bag.

I get nice letters, but really I have no idea. I just try to enthuse people. You’ve been married for 31 years.

Gardening is, apart from having children, the most rewarding thing in life.

People think cruises are for old folk, but they are amazing, as you get to see so many places, and you’re never stuck as you’re docked in a different port every day.

Alan Bennett and Judi Dench are amazingly talented people who don’t let you down when you meet them.

I’m a big fan of the Queen. She carries herself well, as does the Prince of Wales, despite getting lots of stick.