When my second child Bella was born in 2006. I missed my son Ben being born because I was racing, so seeing it for the first time was quite an experience.

Paradise is the moment you are in, so right now I'm happiest talking to you.

When I landed the role in Soldier Soldier. I thought, “Oh my goodness, I’m going to be doing something that makes me happy, I’m doing it abroad and they’re going to pay me.” I was 26.

Driving golf balls into the cricket pavilion on summer evenings in my pajamas.

Not being able to breathe – I get very panicky at the thought.

Walking along Oxford Street on Saturday pulling a shopping trolley that my mother bought me. I remember saying, “I’m never going to use that!” and there I was, very grateful to have it in my life. She died before Christmas and I can’t ring her to tell her that she was right.

Actors live in a constant state of disappointment. I’ll never be happy with what I’ve done.

Eight or nine years ago, I disgraced myself in the Japanese ambassador’s home in Dublin, at a celebration for my late mother-in-law’s book about living in Japan. Afterwards, when I had to apologise, she told me it was the worst night of her life and, because I was drunk enough not to remember the details, it will never not be the most embarrassing night of my life. People are filling in details even now – “Remember when you fell under the table during the first course?”

Never be rigid in your thinking, be open.

A hairdresser – I still want to be a hairdresser.