My mentor heard it and said, “Derek, you’re just not a singer. You really need to stop trying. Admit you’re a songwriter, and find a real singer.”

That it’s impossible to persuade other people of the value of the lessons that life has taught you.

Worry about the things you can control and don’t worry about the things you can’t.

To be led by love and not judgment.

Not being able to breathe – I get very panicky at the thought.

Actors live in a constant state of disappointment. I’ll never be happy with what I’ve done.

Eight or nine years ago, I disgraced myself in the Japanese ambassador’s home in Dublin, at a celebration for my late mother-in-law’s book about living in Japan. Afterwards, when I had to apologise, she told me it was the worst night of her life and, because I was drunk enough not to remember the details, it will never not be the most embarrassing night of my life. People are filling in details even now – “Remember when you fell under the table during the first course?”

A hairdresser – I still want to be a hairdresser.

I hope the happiest moment is still ahead of me.

Walking along Oxford Street on Saturday pulling a shopping trolley that my mother bought me. I remember saying, “I’m never going to use that!” and there I was, very grateful to have it in my life. She died before Christmas and I can’t ring her to tell her that she was right.