I remember when I got to 16, my mum was like, 'No, now you've got to go and get a proper job. We've indulged you long enough.' I don't think they ever thought I was going to be successful in entertainment at all.

I regard myself as an actress but, obviously, not in the Dame Judi Dench league. That isn't a problem because I don't think we are ever likely to be up for the same part!

What I am is how I came out. No one's perfect and you just have to accept your flaws and learn to love yourself.

People think you can't be clever if you have breasts.

It makes my skin crawl to think about the violent ways snakes, lizards, alligators and other exotic creatures are raised and killed for boots, bags and belts.

I think the more mediocre you are the better you do because people need to think you're their friend, they don't want to be threatened by you, you've got to be warm, you've got to be not too smart, not too pretty, not too anything.

I do sometimes worry about getting older and the fact that I am not going to be a model for ever...[But] The fact that Helen Mirren can look so great in swimwear is an amazing boost for all women.