Indeed, there were times when it was quite worrying that after hitting a certain age, you wouldn't hear from a lot of actresses anymore. But that's when women hit their stride and get a lot more interesting. You see that in roles for males but it's slowly getting better for women too.

I was lucky, I got offered places and have had some good opportunities. But it is hard work. I suppose I am a bit of a geek when it comes to acting and doing my work. But I was never really nerdy at school, more slightly naughty, so this is my time to be nerdy.

Well, I've just played a midwife but never for a second would I think that I could ever deliver a baby! So, to that essence, it's still pretending. But it's worked out ok so far, touch wood, because you're doing so many different things - if you're playing a lawyer or someone medical, you can dip your toe into a lot of different things.

Indeed, there were times when it was quite worrying that after hitting a certain age, you wouldn't hear from a lot of actresses anymore. But that's when women hit their stride and get a lot more interesting. You see that in roles for males but it's slowly getting better for women too.

I think to always treat others as you would want to be treated yourself and treat every single person with the same amount of respect. It's not often you see it, but sometimes you meet someone who is not very nice to their peers. But when you do, it's a massive lesson in treating everybody with respect.

I do find that if I go out for a meal I can be listening to a few conversations at once all around me. It can drive my partner bonkers a little bit. But it's about being able to tell a lot of very different stories as well as you can and I do genuinely love what I do.

I think new life is the most exciting thing and I absolutely have so much respect for my friends and family that have gone and done it because it seems like the hardest job in the world. So, who knows - maybe one day I might try it myself. But I completely salute anyone who does.