Helen Sharman

On Mir, the lights kept going out because it had developed so many electrical problems.

People are fascinated by space flight. It makes them interested in science, gets them asking questions and motivates them.

I get standing ovations at meetings when I say Britain should be involved in human spaceflight. Unfortunately, that goal has been blocked by a handful of people in high office.

There has always been a tendency to classify children almost as a distinct species.

Where does it stop? You get offered money for your wedding, then for your kids, new houses, holidays... We earn enough from football and sponsorships, why do you need any more?

I love Pilates - I am a really big believer in it as a practise; I think it's fab.