Quotes of the Week

"It's like being back at school; one is constantly looking for a suitable bike shed."

Sophie Dahl, model (above), on smoking in New York

"We will harry, embarrass, ridicule and shame him wherever he goes."

Peter Tatchell, gay rights activist, on Michael Portillo

"There are certain people who would like me airbrushed out of history."

Neil Hamilton, former Tory MP

"I was verging on an alcoholic, but lucky because I could only drink on about three days a week. I needed the other four to recover."

Tony Booth, actor

"I was not a very good spy. I was a little mouse and I didn't do it for very long."

John le Carre, author, denying claims that he was once a top British agent