Millie Week 66: Mon 9 - Sat 14 Dec 1991

I always wanted Millie and her friends to operate inside their own little bubble, free from parental influence. Sure, they'd have to interact with adults at school and in the outside world, but not at home - that would be unreasonable. At that age parents are just obstacles to getting on with your life.

The Mirror wanted otherwise, and so, here they are, in a week of strips specially written to introduce them. They're strictly traditional parents, Mum's in the kitchen and Dad's in his chair reading the paper - tabloids can be very traditional when it comes to family. And it must be said, Dad does look rather like Terry Scott from the world's cosiest sitcom, Terry and June. Mum's hair started out brunette but quickly changed to yellow.

My sister always used to call me Fred. I don't know why. Family names are always a bit embarrassing.