I don't buy the tabloids, but you're surrounded by it all and people tell you things they've read. I'd be sitting on a train looking over someone's shoulder and thinking: That's familiar... oh my God, it's me.

I have yet to see a drama that puts forward women who are successful and have a family. Women are nearly always seen as victims.

I've never been too afraid of what other people have said, especially when I was younger, but I suppose that was the arrogance of youth.

Exposure makes you famous, not just good work. Famous is being plastered everywhere.

Everything is about class in England, whether it's upper, lower or middle. Why should that be?

Judi Dench and Ian McKellen taught me how to work hard and respect the theatre.

I never pursued being 'famous.'