I don't believe in dieting.

And I used to write novels and little stories and compositions and I - but I put them away because I started acting when I was 17. So there wasn't much time.

One of the rules about being an actor or an actress is that you never diss other actors or actresses, particularly when you don't know them.

I have never been the mousy, stand-two-paces-behind, obedient 'little woman' type.

I blame my grandmother for encouraging me to become an actress.

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.

The cosmetics industry has much to answer for. It's a multi-million- pound confidence trick based on giving women endless hope, courtesy of overpriced little pots.