I’ve chosen not to talk about my really private life to the press – I’ve never invited a huge amount of attention.

I would love to do a really cool romantic comedy, perhaps with Hugh Grant. I think he is brilliant. That’s the kind of film I love to go to see. I love ‘girls’ films’.

If you were to do a line-up of past suitors, it’s definitely a very eclectic group, is all I’ll say.

What I do for a living means that people look at me. As an actress, you are scrutinized. You are not just dealing with your looks privately, you are on display. I have never been 100 percent comfortable in my own skin. I go through different phases. But I don’t feel beautiful all the time, no.

I don’t want to be known for anything other than the fact that I play characters in movies.

Because I never set out to be an actress, I always feel so lucky and grateful. There are so many people who are really desperate to be stars, and it was completely the opposite for me – I fell into it.

I know so many acting careers that are deliberately kickstarted by a publicist placing a bit of rubbish in a newspaper. And I don’t want that. If someone recognises me, I want it to be because they’ve seen me in something, not because they have seen me at something.

I’m really a strong advocate of ageing because the messages that the media and advertising give to women infuriate me: ie that it’s a bad thing to get old.

I’m very grateful that I have one of those faces that seems to blend back into the crowd. A lot of people pay lip service to wanting a normal life, but it’s actually very important to me.

I couldn’t care less about walking down the red carpet in a pair of heels and a posh frock. I’d rather be in my pyjamas at home.