Francesca Annis

Thank God we're not like America. Everyone wants to look like they're 20. In Europe we admire grown-up women I think men revere older women.

I consulted a Chinese herbalist and spent two weeks on an island off the coast of Zanzibar. I was away from any kind of contemporary technology.

So many stars lose their way, and with success become more neurotic, not less so.

Judi Dench and Ian McKellen taught me how to work hard and respect the theatre.

I maintain the rather old-fashioned view that this is my work and it's in the public arena, but that doesn't entitle everyone to know what happened at home before coming here.

The minute anyone's getting anxious I say, You must eat and you must sleep. They're the two vital elements for a healthy life.

I'm one of the great unemployed looking for the next job. I'm waiting for the right offer. Like anyone, I want something that turns me on inside.

The funny thing is I'm not bothered or sad about being on my own - after all I've never had a husband.

You have to be careful not to let your fear stop you doing things. It's very exciting to test yourself.

I never pursued being 'famous.'

Exposure makes you famous, not just good work. Famous is being plastered everywhere.

I have yet to see a drama that puts forward women who are successful and also have a family... they are nearly always seen as victims.

I'm often asked if I regret not going to Hollywood. I'm glad I didn't go, because if I had I wouldn't have my extended family, which is the fabric of my life. Only recently have I realised how special and unusual it is.

I have yet to see a drama that puts forward women who are successful and have a family. Women are nearly always seen as victims.

Too often, older women are seen as victims, but I know lots of formidable women who have marvellous jobs as well as a full erotic life, and children and friends and family.

The wonderful thing about acting is you move along with your decade. The older you get, the more interesting the parts you get to play and you bring more of your personal experience to the part.

Truly charismatic people, in my experience, don't come along very often.

However successful you are, there is no substitute for a close relationship. We all need them.

You can love more than one person in your life, but things will be different. There'll be a different dynamic. Needs and desires change.

After all my various relationships I find myself now home alone.