I don't have the confidence to be a personality.

I'm constantly intimidated by Shakespeare's work. Trying to decipher what he's saying and holding on to that thought - not just as an actor, but as a human being - is a rigour.

I absolutely hate clothes shopping, though I love clothes. It's my idea of heaven to be handed things to wear.

I have lots of passions - gardens, art, music and reading. I have eclectic taste and read a huge variety of books.

My father's death from prostate cancer in 1993 was tragic. He never complained about pain. He was a fighter. By the time he was ready to die he wasn't able to die in the way that he wanted to, which seemed an outrage to me.

My mother was adorable, a great giggler. My father was very strong and could be quite frightening.