With age comes a greater wisdom, an ease and comfort with oneself.

Whitley Bay was my first experience of the seaside. I'd buy my bucket and spade, and beach ball, and all the shops were teeming with toys. I used to spend hours on the shuggy boats.

I grew up in a very political household. My mum used to shout at the television. At Mrs. Thatcher.

Whether it's a good thing or a bad thing, the higher your profile, the more castable you are in TV dramas.

I'd like to break some new ground, maybe in TV presenting, rather than just be an actress.

I have that precious commodity - freedom. I can live my life a day at a time, and I am open to whatever the next day brings. I know I sound as if I have been off with some guru in India, but I haven't. I've come to realise the value of being able to decide for oneself.

Sadly, the timing's never been right. There have been men who would have married me but I didn't feel the same, and vice versa.