I've been married to the same man - even after the separation - longer than most people in this business. I'm sick to death of people mentioning it.

If I pop off and do something drastic, everyone's going to realise because they know I'm 50. Anyway, middle-aged women are sensational.

The big thing that Moneypenny changed was the amount of charity work that I was able to be involved with.

When women's parts are being written, they are more and more for under 30s who are nubile and beautiful. Actresses over 40 are finding very little happening.

I'm very shocked when I look at television and I see such an aggressive youth and image obsession in the representation of women on our screens.

When I got on stage, I would have a rush of adrenaline; everybody gets it. Normally after the first night it becomes more controllable, and as long as I could ride the wave, I was still in charge.

The bravest thing I've ever done is fly to New York. I'm simply terrified of aeroplanes - I am the woman you see weeping at the airport.