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If I hear the word 'perky' again, I'll puke.

There's more pressure on women to be chirpy and perky.

In the early part of my life I carried the flame for fiery women: perky women who were not dumb.

I guess I'm still sort of feisty and a little bit of a tomboy.

Two phrases I hate in reference to female characters are 'strong' and 'feisty.' They really annoy me. It's the most condescending thing. You say that about a three-year-old. It infantilises women.

I'm not posh or common, I'm in between.

I was never a glamour puss whose career was really based on a look or an attitude. I've been basically playing the same parts I am at 55 that I was at 35. I get cast as strong women, and that can be a mother or a judge or anything.

When I was younger, I had a perm, and it was really big. My mom was a hairdresser, so even my dad had a perm! I looked like a poodle, but it was cool at the time.

As you get older, you get different, and I'm a mushier, softer person as I get older.