I think, Larry, one of the things is I'm a very active person.

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

Botox, I think, is poison, I would never put it into my face, and I'm needle-phobic. I spend a lot of time keeping my face out of the sun and taking care of my skin and wearing make-up.

I was thinking, who of the English actresses in the last 30 or 40 years have achieved as much as I have?

I think bare legs in winter are idiotic. Unless your naked pins are toned, tanned and veinless, it's best to cover up. There is nothing more elegant in winter than dark tights worn with matching knee-length boots and a belted trench coat.

Well, it is quite daunting, but I made my first appearance on the stage when I was nine, because I went to a theatrical school, because I wanted to be an actress since I was eight.

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