People ask what the secret of a happy marriage is. If there is one, it's 'don't talk about it.

I was always very determined, as was my husband, that we wouldn't let any of our children act when they were young.

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.

Acting has been very useful to me.

I learned basic cookery from my mom, taught myself cake techniques and then got fed up with my own cakes not looking as good as the ones in the shops.

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.

I'm a creature of habit, so I like going to boutiques, rather than larger stores, where I know I'll find something that suits me every time.