What ? Only 13 million pounds ? Well, that puts her ahead of Anthony Worral Thompson and testifies very definitely to the enduring need for the Ordinary Things in Life. While she’s never been famous for any particular style or recipe and is nowadays more conspicuous (on TV) for her footballing activity (she and her publisher husband have just been voted onto the Norwich City board and Delia has come up with the most comical of understatements “ well , it’s a relief not to be favourites”), she does have some news for her culinary faithful : Delia’s going on line.

For a good delia,go to amazon.co.uk

There (deliaonline.com) she will provide a daily dose of re-assuring good sense , doing what she does best : doing exactly what it says on the tin and providing all-round entertainment advice for the less enthusiastic and the less knowledgeable. Whether it be the daily recipe or tips for all occasions (food and wine) or just what equipment is best, Delia will deal with it calmly. And she never lets out a nasty word