I don't buy into you're on the slag heap when you're 40 or 50 or 60 or 70 or whatever.

My mother was a domestic goddess and Mother Earth figure. She was sweet and placid - just what the perfect wife was supposed to be and I was determined not to be.

And the truth is I've always taken very good care of my skin, and always, always worn make-up.

I have to say that those nine years were full of turmoil and drama and trauma to me, in actual fact.

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

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.

If I hear the word 'retire,' it makes me want to throw up. And then do what? Sit around all day watching television?