My parents instilled in me that life was going to be very difficult and that I'd have to work for everything.

I've always maintained that there is a very fine line between a daring, sexy older woman and mutton dressed as lamb.

I have a lot of male friends.

So-called designer bags are useless, and most are also ugly, faddish and overpriced. Pared down and sleek is always best.

Doing 20 minutes of stretching, light weights and floor exercises three times a week takes the same amount of time as a long coffee break - and eating a tuna fish salad, sardines on toast or scrambled eggs is surely preferable to a Big Mac or KFC.

Life is a predator: you have to eat it before it eats you.

I've never chased fame. I came into this business to be a theatre actress. I was nine when I first appeared on stage. But I can't say I would turn my back on fortune. I'm someone who enjoys the benefits of money.