I’m much more adventurous than when I was younger. I used to be a fussy eater but having travelled a lot I’m much better now. In the past three years I’ve cut some things out of my diet like red meat and tomatoes and feel better for it. I have a tendency to find something I like then eat it all the time. At the moment it’s pesto.

Cooking

Experimental or tried and tested?

Neither. I can’t cook at all. I’ve no interest in cooking but I don’t have to because my husband loves cooking and one of my stepdaughtersis following in his footsteps. Between the two of them I get cared for. Tuna and mayonnaise or a toastie are my limits. Why do something if you’re no good at it?

I love going on holiday because it’s a chance to catch up with the family and visit other cultures. I’m not a beach person as I’m not very good in the sun – I’m very Scottish in that respect. America does it for me. I’ll go to New York at the drop of a hat – I must have been eight or nine times – and I’m off to West Virginia this summer.

Housekeeping

Aggie & Kim or Wayne & Waynetta?

Beer or Bolli?

I don’t drink and never have. My husband is delighted as there’s never a fight about who’s driving home. People think it’s weird I’ve never been drunk but I’ve never liked the taste of alcohol.

Approach to Life

Mañana or right now?

Boy racer or Sunday driver?

I am a big fan of the luxury car. You know, the Range Rover with the heated seats, heated steering wheel, the one people hate. When I start work at 5.30am in the middle of a Scottish winter, those warmed up seats and steering wheel help soften the blow. I enjoy driving but I’m not a boy racer. If you put your foot down in a car like that you could cause serious damage.

I’m a bit of both. I enjoy the fact I have a nice lifestyle but I’ve accounted for it and I spend only what I have. At least I’ve thought about what will happen when it all goes horribly wrong, which it’s bound to. However I make sure I enjoy myself too.

Property

Urban chic or rural retreat?

I like a balance. I live near the city and have a holiday house on the Isle of Bute. I couldn’t be stuck in a cottage far away in the country with no street lights. I would struggle with that.

Cruella de Vil, I’m afraid. It’s not that I don’t like children but I think we’ve lost the art of parenting. I try to be fair and listen to the kids’ point of view but they need to be told: “No, that’s not going to work.” I’m the disciplinarian in our house. Not that I need to be too firm as my stepdaughters are bright and sharp and lovely.

Décor

Minimal or cosy?

Jane Fonda or Jim Royle?

I think I’m Jane Royle. I go through fits and starts with exercise. I’ve had a trainer which is the only way I can do it because there’s no escape. I can be quite diligent but then do absolutely nothing for months.

Blythe Duff appears in Taggart on ITV3.

The above “Express” article can also be accessed online here.