I often use the term phobia about something like the dentist or needles, when what I really have is an intense dislike and fear of them and I can, when pushed go to the dentist or get a jag.

For people who have real phobias, actual physical symptoms are commonplace. I have taken care of countless passengers who were terrified to fly. Cases ranged from the 'white-knuckled' person who wouldn't ask for help but sat gripping on to the arm-rest of the seat. We, as crew, would talk them through what exactly was going on with the aircraft or I would just talk a load of my usual rubbish and they would fall asleep.

Some people's fear of flying is so deep that they won't even board the plane, no matter how persuaded they are by family and airline staff. I can clearly recall a flight to Palma many years ago when we tried to encourage a wee Glesga wummin onto the flight. She was having none of it. It was Fair Saturday, the busiest day at the airport, so I pointed out that she was delaying everyone. She reluctantly agreed to come on board on one condition, and that was if she could sing a song on the PA after take-off. Her 'thing' was singing down her local club at the weekend and so once air borne I made the usual announcements and then explained to the rest of the passengers about the wee wifie's phobia and how doing a wee turn would take her mind off her fear. She proceeded to belt out a rendition of Patsy Cline's Walking After Midnight in the broadest Glasgow accent you've ever heard and she went down a storm.

While air travel has made the world a global village for most people, for 6.5 per cent of the population the prospect of boarding a plane is a nightmare. Twenty-eight years ago a Fear of Flying course was set up by British Airways. These Flying with Confidence courses are conducted at most of the main UK airports including Glasgow. They boast a 98 per cent success rate and cater for all ages including children. Unfortunately it's quite costly at £199 for a 10 hour course. Perhaps an aeroplane karaoke might be more affordable after all.

Whilst you might think that the aforementioned phobia is probably quite common it comes seventh place in the most common phobia list.

An international study has revealed that the most common phobia is public speaking, with 74 per cent of people questioned terrified of standing up in front of an audience and giving a speech.

Now clearly this is not a phobia that is present in the Sheridan household but the third most common phobia is. The study states that 30.5 per cent of the population have a fear of spiders. Tommy is part of that percentage. I happen to like spiders. In fact I really enjoy picking them up and showing them (up close) to my big coward of a husband.

Many years ago, Tommy was invited to go on to I'm A Celebrity, Get Me out of Here. I laughed myself stupid at the mere thought of it. If he couldn't deal with a Scottish house spider then he would have no chance with those humongous Aussie spiders. He opted for the Celebrity Big Brother hoose instead. A wise choice indeed. He only had to deal with tantrums in there not tarantulas.