My parents wondered what to do with this insufferable show-off. They chose acting for me and I'm very grateful I can still make a living from it.

My father was a tyrant about reading, and that put me off books when I was little.

Foyles War made me realise that Churchill actually had questionable morals; his decisions meant that good people died. It must have weighed heavily on his soul, but he never let his personal demons get in the way of what was best for our country.

My parents wondered what to do with this insufferable show-off. They chose acting for me and I'm very grateful I can still make a living from it.

Its really good to have so distinctive a name as an actress. No one ever forgets it. My sister and brother are called Perdita and Rollo. Actually, my family calls me Hollyhocks.

Size zero doesn't make you happy and I'm not sure I have the discipline for Hollywood. I'm too much of a fan of chocolate and crisps.