Queen's songs are very anthemic.

Freddie's style of performance influenced all performers.

It was an appalling shock when he died. None of us can really believe, even now, that Freddie's gone. There was so much about him that was just overwhelmingly powerful and beautiful.

Freddie Mercury just had an extraordinary ability to captivate an audience. He embodies the music physically in such a way that is irresistible and the power of his performances, well they're unsurpassable in my view.

[on Queen at Live Aid] It was the most powerful performance I think anybody had ever given in the history of pop and rock singing. Every single person was with him.

All of us want Queen to go on forever.

What I love about becoming older is that I'm really getting into make-up. I use a lot more than I used to and it's very sexy. I also used to be a jeans and T-shirt girl until my late thirties, but now, because I've looked after my figure, I can wear grown-up clothes by designers such as Maria Grachvogel, Jenny Packman, Jimmy Choo.

I'm quite an energetic person so slacking isn't my nature. My idea of relaxation would be a skiing holiday or going to a football match and screaming. Or not getting dressed all day, leaving the children in their pyjamas and eating whatever's in the fridge.

I love swimming, skiing, horse-riding, cycling and walking but I find that stretching is the most vital thing in my life. I have a stretch routine that I do every day, particularly for my lower spine. When you are young, it is not as important to do as much exercise, as you just bounce out of bed, but as I grow older, I realise how important it is to keep my body supple.

It is vital to keep in shape because opera is about credible casting. If you are playing a fabulous role you have to look fabulous and sometimes you have to wear very skimpy clothing or nothing at all. I've been nude on stage before now and can't aford to have a saggy tush.

My husband brings home every festering illness known to mankind and, as anyone who is married to a doctor will know, you are the last person to ever get any kind of medical attention. You have to be horizontal, unconscious and covered in a lot of blood before he's interested