We live in a celebrity-obsessed society.

When I was younger, I used to write to directors when I was unsure I could play a role. I'd say: 'You've made a terrible mistake.'

When it comes to my work, I'm fearless. I go with my gut.

Auditioning is a horrible experience because you know you are being absolutely scrutinized and judged. There are days where you can do it and days where it's just not happening, and I feel like that's how it is with all artists; you have some days it kind of works.

I hate to say that my mother was 'just a housewife', because in addition to that she has had lots of part-time secretarial jobs in factories and hospitals, always working really hard for our family.

My personal life, my normal life, is so important to me. To be able to go back to my personal life and leave characters behind is important; I don't keep them with me.

Obviously, education is hugely important, along with healthcare. They're the basics and you're hurting your own country if you don't pour money into them.

The British theatre and establishment is so hard to penetrate, and there are so many talented people involved in it. So, to be counted among some of those actresses... It doesn't get better than that.

You know, I really enjoy longevity. I see actors in their forties and they just turn out these really fabulous roles and characters. You know who they are, but you wouldn't necessarily know their names.

You put yourself on tape as an actor a lot - and you send them off, they go out into the ether, and you have no idea what's going to come back, or when.

My dad is such a good man, hard-working.

Women do well in their thirties. They put their bags down and say, 'This is who I am - like it or lump it.' There is a more relaxed quality, which I like.

Acting has always been such escapism for me.

As an actor, you always want to keep it different, change it up, and, you know, just to keep yourself inspired and work with interesting characters.

At my school, Shakespeare wasn't on the syllabus - at least not for me.

Being at the pinnacle of my career is not to turn up in some multiplex blockbuster.

Every job feels like my first.

I act because I have to, because I need to find out whether I can do it or not - that's what drives me and excites me and lights me up.

I don't want to be doing fashion shoots and being interviewed about where I shop. Who cares?

I love actresses who are brave and don't do what's expected of them or don't play off how they look or take risks.