I made a decision that I wanted to do five years of classical theatre before I did anything else, which was a very unfashionable thing to do.
Looking at the actors I most admire - Judi Dench, Ian Holm, that whole generation - they all started in rep and slowly built themselves into the position where they could juggle theatre and film.
I know I'll always want to come back to theatre, and I also thought if I can crack classical acting, everything else will probably seem easier.
When I left drama school, saying you were going to the RSC made you a laughing stock.
Like any relationship, a marriage does take work.
I don't want to just be another actor in L.A. looking for a job.
I think I have a period drama face. That's the reason I've always gone back to the West End, because for me, that's where all the interesting roles have been.
Film would have been great, but I don't think I was ever in the frame.
I think I was quite difficult to cast when I was in my twenties because I never looked like Cameron Diaz. I'm not talking myself down, but I was never going to be the romantic lead in a Hollywood blockbuster. You need better cheekbones and longer legs.
The great thing about getting older and doing TV and theatre is that the roles get more interesting, and you're not cast because, 'Oh, she's always looked extraordinary.'
