"I used to routinely turn down things that might compound the impression that I was some kind of vacu..." — Mariella Frostrup

When a father of a daughter dies, you elevate them. And you sort of deify them.

First, I was a glacial blonde doing music programmes. Then I was the film kind of sexy bird late at night. It was frustrating like I guess it's frustrating for everyone who is not fully employing their talents.

Nothing can prepare you for the all-consuming nature of motherhood, and I am very aware of my good fortune, as I spent years fretting about whether I'd ever meet anyone to have a baby with.

I have a producer friend who despairs that I come across as rather frosty and never show the real me, and she might have a point.