It's one of the oldest theatrical adages: never work with children or animals.

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 think one of the most important things I can give my children is the right to be themselves.

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

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.

I managed to slip two children out in the middle of my career and have been lucky with all the work.

As a child, I always remember our home, which was a flat just on the Barnes side of Hammersmith Bridge in London, buzzing with actors such as Patrick McGee and Peter Bowles. We were a family who were always on the go.