My history teacher was utterly terrifying, but her lessons were very inspiring. She got me interested in people and stories, which then led me to acting.

I'm not recognised much at all.

Id love to work in the States; Id love to work anywhere where you get a good script and a good part to play. But I do love British film as well.

I certainly never saw myself as posh.

When I'm in a tricky situation I often think: 'What would Beyonce do?' It helps.

You have to have sympathy for and an empathy with a character in order to play them.

I did all sorts of jobs after drama school - working in a bar, as a teaching assistant. I probably learned as much from them as I did at drama school.