I do get funny people sometimes coming up to me in supermarkets in America with my picture in their pocket, which is a bit strange.

Having spent a number of my younger years with trade-union parents attending NUT annual conferences, I feel comfortable with an agenda in my hand and a procedural format for debate.

My parents were political, so it's definitely in my bones. Wherever I am, I always seem to get involved with politics. I think, once it's in your bloodstream, it's always there. I love it.

I like acting in London-not least because it means I can go home after the show every day, rather than being on location making a film.

What am I doing in this silly showbiz life? I do wonder that sometimes.

I think politics can no longer be assigned to parliamentary activity and it probably never could be. But politics with a small p and the history of trade union movement really interests me.

I'm not very good with stills. I get all twitchy.