Welcome to my world - Lesley Garrett

OPERA singer Lesley Garrett's 14th album, Amazing Grace, released later this month, features new interpretations of divine music, drawing on the choral singing that was such a part of her background growing up in Yorkshire.

Describe your perfect weekend

Escaping with my husband and children to our cottage in Yorkshire; a dog walk and a pub lunch. Alternatively, jumping on a plane to Rome for a romantic weekend with my husband.

What would you do if you ruled the world?

I would make alternative energy sources compulsory, and I would make sure every child in every school started the day with a song.

What one thing would improve your life?

The ability to say no.

Who did you last receive a text from?

My children, to let me know they'd arrived safely in Turkey, on their first solo holiday.

What's your guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate, and Sex and the City at the same time – but then I have no guilt about that.

When did you last feel sorry for yourself?

I never feel sorry for myself. I'm so lucky to be living the life I have.

What do you wish you'd never done?

I wish I'd never been to see The Exorcist when I was 18. I had to sleep on my friend's floor for weeks because I was so scared.

Would your mother be proud of you?

She is proud of my juggling act!

Who does the cleaning in your house?

Cleaning? What cleaning?

What was your most extravagant purchase apart from a car or property?

A frock. Well, actually, several frocks – well, a wardrobe of frocks! No, three wardrobes, some loft space and a small garage.

What's the most embarrassing thing that's happened to you?

My skirt fell off during a curtain call whilst I was performing The Secret Marriage in the Buxton Festival. I did get an encore though.

Which song is the theme tune to your life?

It's a toss up between 'With a Song in My Heart' or 'To Dream the Impossible Dream'.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Charlotte Church.

Should you vote?

Absolutely! It's a crime not to. I'm a big fan of Gordon Brown. I met him and found him to be sincere, enormously experienced and quietly powerful. Just because he's not as flash as some doesn't mean he is not the right man for the job.

What worries you in the wee small hours?

Not knowing my words.

When were you last naked in front of another person?

This morning, and so were they!

When did you lose your virginity?

I'm not sure, but I've been looking for it ever since.

Who was your favourite teacher?

My singing teacher, Joy Mammen. We met at the Royal Academy of Music in 1978, and she has been my dearest friend and rock of support for 30 years. I still have singing lessons every week, and will do until one of us drops.

Who is your fantasy date?

Gordon Ramsay, but he'd have to cook.

What would you do if you were invisible?

Sit in my illegally parked car and then, just as the parking warden approached, drive off. Tee hee. I could do that all day!

What is your most treasured possession?

Videos of my children, 15-year-old Jeremy and 14-year-old Chloe, when they were little. Especially the one where they discover snow.

Which do you remember better: your first car or first kiss?

Without doubt, my first kiss. It was sensational, and I'll never forget it! He was much older…

If you didn't have your current career, what would you do?

A professional ballroom dancer, or a politician.

What do you think of celebrity?

Very over-rated. It's fine if an individual achieves celebrity status because of extraordinary talent or ability. But so-called celebrities, who do nothing, irritate the life out of me.

What has been your greatest achievement?

To have two happy, well-adjusted children, a good marriage and people who still want to hear me sing after all this time.