I’ve learnt to listen. I don’t think I always did listen. Not just in plays, but in life. And you have to hear what people are saying before you can respond.

When you play someone who is an iconic figure you can't go into it lightly.

It's true, I've become one of those grumpy older women.

In my life, I've had estates in Russia, houses in Spain, in Norway, in the deep south of America.

Mostly in life people are trying not to have emotions.

I have spent my whole life educating myself.

I love the drive from York to Whitby over the moors - one of the great journeys, in my book.