Maxine Peake

I know I sometimes come across as being quite dismissive about acting. But I'm not. It's like people reading their diaries in public. I don't want to talk about how I create characters. I find it self-indulgent.

I'm very independent, probably quite selfish, and like being able to disappear at the drop of a hat without having to explain myself - most men would find that a pain, wouldn't they?

I think people expect me to dress a bit like Veronica from 'Shameless,' in vest tops and denim skirts.

Crying does not equal good acting.

I wasn't an obvious actress in any sense of the word.

What's wrong with wanting the best for everybody?

I get angry about the way women are forced and bullied into what the male ideal is.

When I'm not acting, I don't feel like an actor.

I get very irate with actors when they talk about how distressing it all is. I mean, it's only acting. Please.

I've always fancied being a bit of warrior, on a horse swinging a sword around, sorting out the men... Oh yes, that sounds lovely.

They always said to me that I needed to be more feminine. I think it's so wrong. Being boisterous doesn't mean you are not feminine.

We still have an underclass in this country who are constantly ignored and vilified.