‘i f inally feel free to be myself ’

PAM glanced up at the clock on the far wall of the classroom. Just half an hour to go until the summer holidays began. Six blissful pupil-free weeks, to be spent mostly gardening and binge watching pe

The TV presenter and novelist, who turns 68 this month, on weight loss, her unusual way with words, and why she has fallen in love with going to church

With its eye-popping parade of towering hats and fabulous dresses, Royal Ascot is one of the most glamorous events on the social calendar, with the royal family always coming out in force. But one mem

The limits of political friendship

It came out of nowhere, and I happened to be with Angela at the time. She’s my sister. Growing up I’d always been the plain one – gawky, angular, with a bump on my nose and wiry red hair it had taken

From pop star to Kitchen Disco icon, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has brought joy to lives and homes across the globe. She talks to Rosamund Dean about marriage, menopause and why the music must go on