Quotes

I sometimes think, 'If I knew what made Sarah Jane so popular, I'd bottle it'. I love her as a character, and I credit Barry (Barry Letts) for instilling something special in the character. He is a true gentle and honourable man and has such a wonderful take on life. I took some of that influence for Sarah. You also scavenge some of what you are as well. But I wish I was more like her.

Sometimes good television doesn't depend on money, it depends on imagination and good people directing, casting and doing the job with talented people. Then you're forgiven a great deal, I think, if sometimes something doesn't look quite on the money.

When Sadie was about two, I went up to see lovely Paddy Stone, then casting director for Emmerdale Farm (1972), about becoming one of the regulars. I'd had to work extra hours on another TV job and I kept looking at the clock. I just thought "My God, I'm not giving this 100 per cent. Someone else should have this job". Paddy said to me after "Why did you talk yourself out of that job?" But you've got to be available, otherwise casting people don't like it, quite rightly, and there's always 10 or 20 people waiting to replace you.

In Corrie (Coronation Street (1960)), I played Anita Reynolds, Len Fairclough's new girlfriend, and I was in it for five or six episodes. But oh I loved Z Cars (1962). If you see a clip of it now it still holds up incredibly well - really good actors, great directors, and flying by the seat of your pants. You kept on learning, and there were always places for you to learn, which there aren't so many of for young actors now.

I think everyone who comes from Liverpool is proud to say so, because the city has such energy and life about it. I even listen to Tom O'Connor albums because I love the Scouse accent so much!