Francesca Annis

I don't buy the tabloids, but you're surrounded by it all and people tell you things they've read. I'd be sitting on a train looking over someone's shoulder and thinking: That's familiar... oh my God, it's me. ”

Having children with someone is the real bond. ”

I come from a very hospitable, close, Catholic, matriarchal family. ”

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. ”

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've never been married and I've no more desire to be married now than I ever have. I hate bureaucracy and I am not religious. ”

I like having a good time. It's probably my mother's Brazilian genes in me - party, party. ”

We all know now that people can look good for their age. It isn't so extraordinary, I don't know why people go on about it so much. ”

Sometimes sushi is just superb, and other times there's nothing like a great big steak. It depends where your taste buds are at the time. ”

I am not a fanatic about anything. I do what I can do when I've got the time. ”