Sir Denis, who tended to walk demurely behind his wife, once observed that "she runs the country; I run the family."

Even husband Sir Denis's room, just down the corridor, cost £500.

He was widely expected to replace Sir Denis, who will be 65 on Sunday.

Sir Denis has been chairman of British Gas since 1976.

Most of her initial wealth comes from her husband Sir Denis.

Sir Denis takes a single glass of red wine with lunch.

Sir Denis has studied, nose to the canvas, magnifying glass in hand, every known work by the artist.

Sir Denis played a big part in Nigel's next project, the Montgomery biography.

Reporters liked him mostly because when Sir Denis decided to speak his mind, he did so without tiptoeing.

Sir Denis evinced less enthusiasm for the whole electoral process.