Although I was a shy child, I was also a bit flamboyant.

That's the poisoned chalice: when you're shy, people assume you're arrogant.

Because I was a shy and awkward child, I used humour to deflect attention. It was a controlling mechanism. Because I could use it to control my image.

I'm not frightened of a bit of silence.

I used to go red when anybody spoke to me. It's awful because you absolutely cannot control it. If you are a child that blushes, or is shy, the one thing you want in the world is to be the child who comes in and says, 'Hi,' to everyone and goes up and makes friends.

Nothing prompts creativity like poverty, a feeling of hopelessness, and a bit of panic.