My London: Cybill Shepherd

Where do you stay when you come to London? I'm at the Dorchester this time, but I also love Claridge's and the Connaught.

How often do you visit London? Last time I was here was about six or seven years ago to do a cabaret at the Caf? Royal.

Are you a member of any London clubs? No, but are they where I'd meet all the fabulous single men? Please tell me which one to join!

What was the last CD you bought? It was by Iz [Israel Kamakawiwo'ole], the brilliant Hawaiian ukelele player. It inspired me to practise my ukelele again.

Where would you most like to spend a 'lost weekend' in London? My last lost weekend was 22 years ago when I conceived my first child in a hotel overlooking Windsor Castle. It was very romantic and I'd love to go back.

What keeps you awake at night? Excitement.

What's your earliest memory of London? My first trip in 1968 when I was 18. It was a graduation present from my grandparents. I was like: whoa! It was so grand. The theatre, the museums, the policemen. Your policemen are such wonderful hunks.

What's the most beautiful London landmark? Westminster Abbey.

And the ugliest? I don't know. Ugly is so well hidden in London.

What's the last play you saw in London? I went to A Little Night Music with Judi Dench last time I was over here. I took one of my daughters, who was eight at the time, but she fell sound asleep and I had to leave.

When did you last get drunk? I can't remember - I really don't like to get drunk.

Where's the most intimidating place in London? Anywhere you meet the Queen. I met her at a benefit screening in 1979. I was so nervous, I had this poem I made up going through my head: 'Wear white gloves, don't chew gum, call her ma'am, which sounds like mum.' But she was so warm. It turned out to be one of the great thrills of my life.

What don't you leave home without? Books.

What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done? The first time I presented an award at the Oscars. I made several jokes and bombed out.

Admit to one thing you've done in London that you've never told anyone before. Well, I was here with one man, sneaking out to have an affair with another. An English man by the way. I find Englishmen irresistible. An Englishman taught me how good sex can be.

When did you last lose your temper? With my kids - they're teenagers!

Where did you last blow £2;,000? On an Armani suit for my act. It was the suit of a lifetime.

What's the first piece of advice you'd give a London tourist? Have afternoon tea. The clotted cream, the sandwiches, the biscuits, the scones! There's nothing like it.

When was the last time you broke the law? I made a U-turn in a business area in Los Angeles and a policeman gave me a ticket.

Give us your best tip for overcoming depression. See the sun set and rise every day.

What do you miss most when you're away from London? The men and the tea.

Name a song that you associate with London. 'A Foggy Day in London Town'. I recorded a version of it on my album, Vanilla.

Which shop could you not live without? Target - it's a bit like K-Mart. You can buy your rugs, your hairdryers, every conceivable thing there.

Have you ever been refused entry anywhere? 21 Club in New York when I was wearing $250 New Balance shoes. I went across the street and bought a pair of $11 rubber flats, and they let me in.

What is the most expensive meal you've had in London and who did you eat it with? It was probably with Orson Welles. He always ordered whitebait. He would stay with me and Peter [Bogdanovich] when he came to America. Once, he basically stayed for three years.

What's your favourite meal to cook at home? I love to make turnip greens and corn bread, black-eyed peas and chicken.

What and where is your favourite painting in London? The Turners in the National Gallery.

Where would you like to have your ashes scattered? I want half my ashes next to where my grandmother and grandfather are buried in Memphis, and half in the Mississippi near my second home. My epitaph is going to be: 'We'll make this a comedy yet?'

If your house were on fire, which three things would you rescue? My house in Memphis did catch fire. I rescued my daughter, my dog and myself. Fortunately, the fire chief brought me my diamond bracelet.

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Cybill sings for her supper