As a biracial girl growing up in England, I'd never really seen any historical characters who looked like me depicted on film before that weren't being brutalized or playing slaves.

I don't really have one dish. I'm a very improvisational cook. I sort of like to make things up as I go along. I'm quite creative in the kitchen.

For me, it was all about working with an inspirational filmmaker.

I like being free to take on any project that inspires me and to trust that the work will speak for itself.

Different fragrances promote different emotions, and I find that fragrance gets me in the frame of mind for that person.

It's not often that you get a chance in one role to do the glamour bit and then strip off all the makeup and reveal the real person beneath the façade. Usually, it's either a glamorous role or a raw, emotional role.

I think there are parts of myself in every character I play.