Marie Helvin

Even in the early Eighties, when I was one of the most successful models in Britain, I didn't really have a voice. Time after time, when I should have spoken up, I simply walked away.

My marriage to David Bailey ended one morning in 1983, while he was away on a photo-shoot.

I wasn't interested in having children of my own. I know what would have happened - I'd have been left at home to look after the kids, and my career would have been over while my husband travelled the world.

I'm slim for professional reasons, and I work at it. I really want to continue working. There aren't that many models who are still doing it at 60.

But I'd made up my mind early on in life that I never wanted to be a mother.

It would be nice to see a fashion range that is geared towards a vibrant, sexual, confident 50-something.

The only thing I can't change is the elasticity of my skin.

I think a mother needs to be with mothers. I don't know what they talk about.

I am thrilled to be modelling the debut collection of Always Aliza. Janet Reger was such an iconic brand throughout my modelling career, and it feels great to now be modelling her daughter's range for JD Williams almost forty years on.

I have nothing against cosmetic procedures, but I don't want my face lasered. Also, people are naive about how much you can do with make-up and lighting, and I've learned from the best.

I don't wear mini-skirts or shorts because I have thread veins on my legs and cellulite, and I won't wear tights.

I don't have children, and I'm not in a relationship, so I have the time to devote to myself.

I lead a very disciplined life.

I go to the gym four times a week for 45 minutes to an hour without fail; I like using weights for muscle tone and the bike and rower for my heart rate. I do quite a lot of floor exercises.

I have sun damage. I cover it up with make-up.

I was brought up by parents who embraced the 1960s and taught me that being faithful isn't the be-all and end-all.

We don't do funerals in my family.

Cheating is never to do with how attractive you are.

I haven't eaten meat since I was 17, so I take Vitamin C, a B complex, Omegas-3-6-9, glucosamine, and antioxidants to make sure my body stays healthy.

The fact is, after a certain age, high heels can feel as painful as someone sticking hot pins into the soles of your feet.