dina says...

Dina, 55, is an art teacher and lives in London with her two sons, Zak, 29, and Finlay, 19.

Mine and nadia’s lives are very different now – I live a quiet life as a teacher while she spends her days appearing on tv – but that hasn’t changed our relationship. as her sister, i see a very different side of her; she’s always so loud and in your face on Loose Women – sometimes i think, “oh, please don’t say that!” – but i get to spend time with the real Nadia, who’s happy to slob on the sofa scoffing chocolates or just sit and watch videos of the kids when they were younger. that’s the Nadia i love.

nadia has always said she looks up to me, but actually, I rely on her so much. When i split from my partner, i shied away from friends, but Nadia was the person i knew i could lean on. she’s been there in all my times of need.

When my youngest son left for university, I suffered from a bit of empty-nest syndrome, so being right next door to nadia has been a real bonus. it’s an incredibly strange feeling when you’re suddenly in the house by yourself

– i felt quite scared – but Nadia said, “Keep your phone by your bed at night and just call me if anything happens.” it’s been lovely to have that kind of security.

Nadia’s new cookbook, co-written with best friend Kaye Adams, Nadia & Kaye Disaster Chef (DK), is out now; dk.com w&h