When I was 49, I posed for Playboy - I was very flattered to be asked. I was quite honoured, really, considering that most of the models they feature are in their twenties.

I have a lot of male friends.

Certainly there are dozens of over-50 actresses who look great: Sophia Loren, Susan Sarandon, Ursula Andress, Stefanie Powers, Raquel Welch, Barbara Eden, Joanna Lumley, Linda Gray - the list is endless, and these are just the actresses! I have many friends in their 60s, 70s and 80s, not in the limelight, but who all look absolutely stunning.

The body is like a car: the older you become the more care you have to take care of it - and you don't leave a Ferrari out in the sun.

It's no one's fault to be born ugly, but, honestly, must it be worn as a symbol of pride?

Every time an article is written about me or any of my contemporaries who's had the fortune and discipline to look good at a certain age, I am struck by the tone of astonishment, and the certainty that something is being done secretively to beat the devil.

Dynasty was the opportunity to take charge of my career rather than waiting around like a library book waiting to be loaned out.