The best thing about being on Britain's Brightest

The absolute best thing about being on Britain's Brightest is how many old friends that have got in touch as a result. I've had people tweet me, text me and email me. My parents are talking about it with my friends' parents. Ex-colleagues, school friends and networking contacts have got in touch to wish me luck.

But my favourite email came from a novelist friend of mine. It was so good that I have (with her kind permission) reproduced it below. If you like it as much as I do, let me know and I'll recommend some of her books for you to read :)

So there I was struggling with a horrid cold bug (arguably the worst in history) convinced that the new book I am just beginning really will be the one I never get to the end of, fed up with the weather, with the builders running all over my property right now and with the world in general when Amanda suggested we watch some new quiz show on TV.

'You have to be effing joking,' I grouched. 'Another flipping reality show dressed up as a quiz this time I suppose moan groan grumble etc etc'

And with that retreated to the kitchen to cook dinner. I do know my place if nothing else.

'It's presented by Clare Balding, you like Clare Balding,' Amanda called from the sitting room, using her best long-suffering coaxing voice.

'I don't care who the F*** it's presented by,' I responded charmingly.

'And it's got this woman who's backgammon champion of the world in it.' Amanda persisted, bless her..

Well. There you were.

'She'll win.' I cried, sitting up and taking notice of something other than my own grumpy misery for the first time in days. 'Just you watch. She'll win.'

And did you let me down? Did you heck!

I am THRILLED!!!!!! And BURSTING with pride.

And I send all the luck in the world to you for the final. 

Not that you need it of course.

Or has the final been pre-recorded already?  If so,  tell me nothing.

Go go go girl.

Lotsa love Hilary XXXXXX