Lesley manville

A lot of the actors I knew threw in the towel when they became mothers. I couldn't do that financially, and I didn't want to - but I was knackered all the time.

I have been devoted to my son, and there have been lots of jobs in the past that I haven't done because I didn't want to be away from him.

The more life you have, the more it's in your pores, the more able you are to be creative as an artist.

I had this exceptional classical music voice. If I'd followed a true path for my talent, I would have ended up being an opera singer.

I do absolutely want to be around as long as possible. I tell my son: 'You do realise, I am going to live to 100.'

I, Lesley, I like looking nice. I like doing my hair and wearing makeup and wearing nice clothes. But I don't care what my characters look like.

I'm quite chameleon in my work - not normally looking much like I do in real life.

It would never occur to me not to look dreadful if that's the job description.

When I gave birth to my son, something happened. It is a huge thing for a woman: a whole set of emotions you never had before arrives, and a love you never had before in your life is now on tap.

I like to personalise my dressing room, have a cover for the bed and, if it is a long run, a few cushions and a teapot - a little pot for one.