Active: Novelist Jilly Cooper is still conscious about maintaining her good health
CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?
I can, but I don’t. I had a hip replacement two years ago and since then I am a little unsteady on my feet. I used to walk my dogs for up to two hours a day, and now it’s 20 minutes.
GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?
I eat masses of fruit and vegetables every day and I love fish. I’m very good about eating well.
POP ANY PILLS?
Oh yes — I rattle like a packet of Smarties. I take vitamins — including calcium, glucosamine for my bones and iron for energy. I take statins, blood pressure pills and eye drops for my glaucoma.
EVER DIETED?
Yes. I think constantly about my weight. I’m 5 ft 5 in and vary between 8 st 7 lb and 9 st 4 lb. I am thin above the waist and not so thin below — it’s a Yorkshire figure to withstand the weather. Interestingly, my fat bits never get cold.
ANY VICES?
I drink much less than I used to. Once I start on champagne though, that’s it. I love it so much. Another vice is cheese. After supper I can’t resist sneaking into the larder for a slice.
EVER HAD PLASTIC SURGERY?
Oh no, I’m much too wet. The thought of paying money to give oneself pain!
WORST INJURY?
I fell off a horse showjumping when I was 14 and dislocated my arm. The doctors at the cottage hospital trapped a nerve when they put it back, paralysing my arm for two years. I was too scared to get on a horse again. I missed horses so much that I wrote my first bestseller, Riders.
IS SEX IMPORTANT?
Terribly, especially in a marriage. If you want to have sex with someone you have to make up after a row. It’s the perfect way to reconcile. I still write sexy novels — but I’m a bit short of research nowadays.
EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?
Mostly before I was married because I used to despair of ever finding the great love of my life. And then I met Leo. I pray if I feel sad: ‘Please God, I’m very grateful for everything, but could you cheer me up a bit?’
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HANGOVER CURE?
Alka-Seltzer before bed and a Berocca the next morning.
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?
I’m a terrible sleeper. I try not to take sleeping pills, they leave me feeling a bit stupid the next day.
BIGGEST PHOBIA?
I hate ingratitude and I’m not keen on snakes.
LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER?
No, but I still have a lot to do. I’ve got to clear this house out, it is full of junk.
Jilly’s latest bestseller — Mount! — is out now.