If you make a film about a pig farmer in Wales and you are a huge hit as the pig farmer's wife, the next thing is you'll be asked to do a film about a sheep farmer in Scotland.

I'd love to do some comedy. Particularly French comedy, which I know sounds like a contradiction in terms.

Often, the roles I'm offered in England are melancholic women who are filled with regret for the past, regret for their fading beauty.

Having a leading man who is actually prettier than you are is quite upsetting.

I've realised that I am who I am and that is it. Like it or lump it. I'm not around to please anyone any more, and it's a huge relief.

If you are a successful actor, which is what I am, then you tend to get labelled very quickly and easily.

When I speak English, I've been told, I have this patrician way of speaking that's very irritating. It's the whole class thing.