Diana Rigg

Tabloid newspapers are very rich and hold huge funds to fight claims. ”

We have no companies now, not in the sense that I know, that nurture actors. It's very depressing that, given the money they get, the companies today don't number up in my estimation. They should be bringing on young talent, and they don't. ”

I wouldn't like to see a female Bond, because we wouldn't want to lose the Bond girls. But we could have a lesbian Bond - why not? ”

I don't mean to be oily, but critics are very much part of the theatre. ”

I only know how to play bad mums because they're the best parts. ”

The opportunity to be bizarre - I am bizarre, aren't I? - is just so wonderful, isn't it? ”

Mostly what you remember and enjoy are the scenes you played with people. And quite often, they're the combative scenes! ”

It's particularly exhausting because Medea is defined by her determination. The role is all about endeavour. ”

I was nourished and nurtured at Stratford as a very young actress. They guided me and forgave me! ”

I'm portrayed as this tough broad, but I'm not. ”