You have to have sympathy for and an empathy with a character in order to play them.

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.

In the U.K., there is a sort of obsession with class.

I did all sorts of jobs after drama school - working in a bar, as a teaching assistant. I probably learned as much from them as I did at drama school.

When I emerge from filming I feel slightly out of synch with real life, but it's also a relief.

Playing a plainer role means everything is dependent on the credentials of the actor, not the fact that they are as pretty as Julia Roberts. People start to look at their talent rather than their appearance. And playing the ugly part often means less time in the make-up chair, which is a great benefit on set.

It's beneficial to play against your type to be chameleon-like.

I'm not recognised much at all.

I don't really get recognised very much.

No one goes through life thinking that theyre the best friend of the lead character.

I cry at films and TV and even adverts.

I've not sat with my agent going: 'Where is the next hopeless girl I can play?' They just come along.