I plant a lot of trees. I am a great believer in planting things for future generations. I loathe the now culture where you just live for today.

Shyness is just egoism out of its depth.

A lot of people have it - that fantasy of being lord or lady of the manor, either in the present or at some time in history.

I always used to say when I was on television that I prefer to be on stage and when on stage I prefer to do television. Typical human condition.

I don't believe in public humiliation. It went out with the stocks.

I don't feel 'vibes' when I enter a building - don't feel the previous owners looking down on me. But I do know when a place feels friendly.

I don't think actors ever retire, they just stop being asked to work.

I love touring, I really do.

I think it is very sad that 'sitcom' has become a pejorative term.

I'm a bit of a Scotophile. I have a house on the Black Isle, so I'm in Scotland quite a lot and think Edinburgh is just the most beautiful city.

I'm a realist.

I'm sure that is a reason why young people occasionally bash up old people - because the ages don't mix any more.

In my book, all manners are is thinking of somebody else.

Language is my bugbear. Everyone says things now like 'I was sat' instead of 'I was sitting', which just sounds so ugly.

Older people, who just happen to have been around longer, may not be cleverer than the young, but they have seen more.

So often actors only mix with actors, which is quite incestuous, and doesn't give them the insight into how other people work.

With a play, you do it and it's gone. Films always date. Television drama always dates. Television comedy, for some reason, seems to go on.

Young people don't want to sit at home and watch television; they'd sooner be out doing their own thing.

Everyone wants instant everything, and they want instant success, but I always think you should treat things in the arts like a garden, and let them grow.

I think I'm a better actress for having friends and interests outside the theatre. I wouldn't want to live my life surrounded by other actors all the time.