I despise shows that present friendship where you're always there for each other and really strong because I don't know anyone like that. I mean, I've got great friends, but I can go months without seeing them because I think, 'I just can't deal with having to give you anything.

I'm a massive scaredy cat. I'm scared of being in a fast car, I'm scared of being on a rollercoaster, I would never go skiing, I would never do anything that had the possibility of endangering my life in any way. I should get some therapy, really.

I love Sutton House in Clapton, a beautiful example of Tudor architecture.

You feel you can pretend to be young until you're 50, but after that, what happens and how do you approach it?

I've never for a second felt like my job has been more of a struggle because I'm a woman.

You've only got a short shelf-life as an actor, and I want to make the most of it while I can.

Personally, my twenties were a complete waste of time. Professionally, I hope some good came of them.