How healthy are you?

When I work in theatre I tend to get very sick - you're catching colds and flu all the time. Growing up in Australia I was always healthy - the sunshine helps. With the amount of rain that's come down here this summer you'd expect branches to grow out of your bloody head.

What's your attitude to smoking?

Tobacco is a drug I still miss. I gave it up seven years ago and I'm much better off without it. I started smoking at 16, but when we had children I decided I didn't want to be one of those tragic people who's trying to give up in their forties only to realise it's too late to break the habit.

And drugs?

I've more than dabbled, but I've never been an advocate for drugs; it was a period of my life I went through. Am I proud of it? No. Drugs destroy lives - it's pretty simple. I smoked pot for a long time, and that led to cocaine. Anyone who tells you one doesn't lead to the other is deluded. I gave up because of my children, and I saw an opportunity to move on.

How do you relax?

I'm not all that great at relaxing. It is something I have to work hard at. But a glass of wine or going out to the countryside helps. And I find mowing the lawn quite calming.

Do you worry about your weight?

When you get to a certain age you have to work at things. I'm such an active person that I'd struggle to put on excessive weight, but if I do it tends to show on my face. I eat a balanced diet, I don't binge on anything and I've tried to cut my alcohol consumption recently.

What exercise do you take?

I don't have a particular exercise regime, but I run occasionally, I love to swim and I've been doing sit-ups for the last couple of years - just to keep my tummy weight down. And if I have to go into central London I'd much rather cycle.

How much sleep do you need?

As much as I can get. I really enjoy sleep; I love that feeling. Some people in my industry prefer late nights and late mornings, but I'm the opposite. I try to hit bed as early as I can.

How much do you drink?

At the moment not that much, but on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights I'll drink three glasses of wine. I used to enjoy a glass of wine every night, but I've got myself out of that pattern. It's very easy to come home and have a glass of wine; it's not as easy to pick up a mug of camomile tea.

Is sex important to you?

Absolutely. It's important for relationships, but more importantly, it's fun.

Are you happy?

Yeah - physically I'm in reasonably good shape, mentally I'm in a good spot. In my late teens and early twenties I was extremely happy - I was discovering a new world and I was successful. But I've come full circle and I feel, at the age of 40, I'm in the place I want to be.

· Between the Lines: My Story Uncut by Jason Donovan is published by HarperCollins, £7.99