My history teacher was utterly terrifying, but her lessons were very inspiring. She got me interested in people and stories, which then led me to acting.

I grew up listening in awe to stories of their wartime adventures. My granny, Joan, was a journalist and wrote amazing letters to my grandpa when he was a prisoner of war, while my nana, Mary, was a Land Girl, then a Wren. They were so independent, resilient and glamorous.

Believe me, when an actress is told that her very name is synonymous with bad acting, she's had it.

I don't really get recognised very much.

There's something about wearing clothes that your great-grandmother might have thought were nice that makes you look older.

As actors, you play people who are not yourselves!