I have a great fear of being terminally ill because I know what an ordeal it is for family and friends to watch the process. I think we have the right to die with dignity now that we have the science to accomplish it. The law should allow it.

I worry about going into the office every day. It’s that puritan work ethic — arriving earlier than anyone else, leaving later. I once worked on a programme that I thought was life, but I was wrong. There is work and there is life, and life should take priority. Life means family, people you love, friends, real relationships.

When I am angry, if it’s really serious, I go quiet and try to think strategically. But when I am irritated I let out some rather disgusting invective.

I cope with disappointments by trying to get on to the next thing quickly. Not getting the job you want, not being asked to do the programme you wanted to do, making a pitch and no one buys it — you have to go on to the next thing. The most difficult disappointment is when people let you down, that is hard to get over. You must accept it as a lesson learnt.

I hate child abusers, people whom I associate with evil.

I relax by walking round beautiful gardens and going to the theatre. I also indulge in retail therapy. Fenwick, Harvey Nichols and M&S are my favourites. I also like to wander round antique shops. I’m hopeless at picking up bargains, but I love looking.

My favourite television programme is Friends. It is so exquisitely written and supremely performed. My favourite films are Shakespeare in Love and The Shawshank Redemption.

From my parents I learnt about family. If it is working well, it gives you the security, love and confidence that nothing else will provide. My parents taught me to think long-term and strategically, rather than to go for instant rewards. And they taught me the value of education.

The worst thing about family life is if it isn’t working properly and becomes abusive or violent.

I would like to be remembered for having helped to set up Childline.

I regret that I didn’t say goodbye to my father when he died because the doctor said we shouldn’t. I did tell him what a tremendous source of strength he had been to the family.

I have loads of unfinished business. I want to see my eldest daughter completely thriving; she has had ME for a long time. I would like to see all my children achieve happy relationships, leading the sort of lives they want to lead. I would like to go on a Baltic cruise. I’m hoping my next novel will be OK. Writing is not at all easy, but it is interesting and rewarding.

The trait I most admire in other people is good judgment. I think that people who understand human nature, who know the difference between something that needs to be fought and battled over and things that are trivial and will pass, who look at life with humour and understanding, are usually very good company.

My most embarrassing moment was when I tucked my skirt into my knickers and walked the whole length of a restaurant with my suspenders on display. It still makes me blush.

My favourite pop song is by the Beatles, depending on my mood. It could be John Lennon’s Imagine, or She’s Leaving Home, or The Fool on the Hill. Or any of them really.

If I could change one law it would be to alter completely the way we deal with child-abuse cases in our courts. The adversarial system is quite inappropriate for getting at the truth and distresses children.

The advice I would like to pass on is what I’d call the Rantzen Rule: if you want something hard enough, you will get it.

A Secret Life by Esther Rantzen is published by Century, £12.99