I look at myself objectively and in a way I see myself as a commodity. Your name becomes somehow outside yourself. Now, when I'm at home being Mrs. Scarfe, that's when I'm most myself.

As a child, I wanted to marry a farmer, but no doubt the reality would have been very different to the idyll in my head.

I think one wants lots of different lives.

My parents were not theatrical at all.

My mum taught me that redheads shouldn't wear pink, red or orange, but if you choose the right shade, such as a bright orange or a cherry red, it can look fabulous.

I do enjoy fashion - a lot of runway clothes are pretty unwearable, but if moderated, the trends can be worn by just about anyone.

The rehearsal time is almost my favourite part of being an actress, particularly if you're working on a play that hasn't been done before.