There were all us baby boomers who had a grammar school education, started to learn, then went on the pill, the whole thing, and so there are today a lot more women writers, editors, producers, and so a lot more women's stories. God, the BBC's practically run by women.

I was the little, funny one. I felt I was the child among grown women.

That's why I'm an actress - escaping into a world.

I couldn't watch Tom and Jerry. The cruelty was too much. I had all these strange images, of tiny animals, all mixed up.

There were people asking 'Can women be funny?' People still ask that. It's like asking: 'Can women breathe in and out?'

It's very strong after the birth. It's extraordinary. You can't watch anything to do with kids being harmed.

We have to take risks with art. If we don't, it all becomes a bit boring