I think I always wanted to be an actor - sounds a bit boring, doesn't it? And I pretended once that I wanted to be a vet because one of the teachers asked me and saying you want to be an actor sounds a little bit silly. And I do still feel a bit silly saying it. You feel a bit fraudulent.

People say there's a book in everyone but I'm not sure there is. There might be a pamphlet in me.

I must confess that I'm not a great reader. At the moment I'm reading my son's 'Stig of the Dump' by Clive King and I've got a plant catalogue on the go.

Martin Sheen is my pinup! And Allison Janney, oh my God. They're brilliant actors.

I like to sing along to Annie Lennox and pretend to be as sassy as her.

I am an opera virgin; I'd far prefer to see a musical such as 'Guys and Dolls.

I haven't played Hedda Gabler yet, but maybe if I did I might find the funny bits.