I can honestly say I love getting older. Then again, I never put my glasses on before looking in the mirror.

I have done so many love scenes in the past that I have learned how to pull off a sexy smoulder on the dance floor.

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.

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

I've been a single parent for a long time. It reminds me of being a waitress. As you walk back to the kitchen, requests come at you from all sides. You're doing the job of two - you have to be highly organised.

I just want a quiet life. I think that's what everybody says when they get older.