I love strong women in films that are allowed to play women and not male fantasies.

It's lovely to work with a group of actors who make you laugh and smile.

When I was younger, I used to write to directors when I was unsure I could play a role. I'd say: 'You've made a terrible mistake.'

I love actresses who are brave and don't do what's expected of them or don't play off how they look or take risks.

At my school, Shakespeare wasn't on the syllabus - at least not for me.

I'd love to work on a real girl piece with some fabulous actresses. I feel like I've worked with so many men.

I hate to say that my mother was 'just a housewife', because in addition to that she has had lots of part-time secretarial jobs in factories and hospitals, always working really hard for our family.