I like to think I'm a listener, and I'm fascinated by observing people - I suppose you just lock that in.

I'm becoming more squeamish. I didn't use to be - nine years of 'Silent Witness' prepared me for most things one will have the misfortune to see in life. Before, I'd be wading up to my neck in gore, but now I tend to look away.

I'd been gearing up to working in theatre since coming out of drama school, but it was an exciting time for TV drama - it was the birth of Channel 4, and Brookside was very cutting-edge at the time.

Whatever I'm doing, I try to give it everything.

I think some people think that being on television makes you a sitting duck, but you have the right to remain private.

No, I always wanted to be an actress.

I have nothing against people having work done, it is when I hear tale of girls of 16 queuing up to get bigger breasts, that is when I despair.