Did you have a crush on a teacher at school?
To be honest no! I always worked harder for teachers I liked and admired though, and particular teachers who saw through my naughty bravado and brought out the best in me!
What was your happiest school memory?
Playing the lead in school plays. I always knew I wanted to be an actress. So, after school drama was my favourite part of school.
Have you ever had a crush on a younger man?
I have often dated younger men and older ones too! To me age means nothing, and this industry is so transient you get close to and become friends with all generations, there is no natural "stepping stone progression" like in other careers so age seems less relevant, particularly in this day and age. I often find it hard to tell people's age these days. Maybe it is because I am old and in denial!
What do you look for in a partner?
Honesty, charisma, support, intelligence and "spark”. I don't have a type as such. Someone my friends and family can get on with is usually a good sign.
Have you ever wanted to take revenge on a former partner?
Yes. But life is too short. And the best revenge is to live your best life and be happy without them, I think.
What is the most romantic thing someone could do for you?
Something spontaneous but that shows they actually listened to what is important to me...I am a fan of grand gestures but only with heart not just cash behind them.
What is the biggest turn off in a person for you?
Deceit and manipulation through insecurity. We are all in our own ways insecure but taking it out on your partner is not cool.
You're reprising your role in Bad Girls for stage- tells us about it?
I am really excited about it, I played the role through all the original workshops and cast recordings and am the only person to do every workshop and professional production bar one while also playing my role, Shell Dockley, on the DVD and west end album.
I am really looking forward to working with new production company RAB Productions in a new space with their own take on a piece which is so close to my heart. It is great to replay a role I last played at the Garrick theatre in the west end in 2007 and I am also really pleased to work with some great actors, a few of whom are friends from over the years-Rebecca Eastham who was on Hollyoaks and Corrie recently is directing and co-starring as Nikki Wade.
We are at Upstairs at the Gatehouse Theatre from 13th Feb till 3rd of March, and then transfer to the Severn Theatre in Shrewsbury for the 5th and 6th March.
What else are you up to in 2019?
Well last week we had our London premiere of my feature film "Ask the Cheat" at the Piccadilly Vue and it had a really great reception it is on general release in April and there will no doubt be more promotion involved in that. I am also filming a small role in a biopic of Lawrence of Arabia in March, and have an exciting concert coming up in the spring with Chesney Hawkes that is yet to be announced, so watch this space!
Did you make any resolutions?
No..I regularly try to better myself, but I don't do it at any particular time of year!
Your parents are a huge inspiration to you they must be proud?
I am so lucky to have a very close and supportive family, they are very proud of me. It was particularly exciting for them when I played a doctor on Casualty for a series as they are all medical! think it is important to have close people around you to ground you in this crazy world of show-business. I am lucky to have fantastic supportive friends too.
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