Biography

I'd always wanted to be an actress. Going into acting was unheard of in my school, so the careers officer told me to be realistic. But if you really want something you never give up on it.

Cathy is ill and makes things up for attention. I worked for The Samaritans for two years before I started at The Bill, which has helped me understand her. She's not just evil, it comes from loneliness.

I always seem to play cops, lawyers or prostitutes. Always ladies of a certain profession.

[on fame] I went to buy some shoes in Selfridges and the assistant saw my face, went: 'Oh my God' and ran off. She never came back. I've noticed that people do give me a wide berth, but that suits me fine because I'm quite a private person.

Most actors say the best parts to play are the baddies and Cathy is so interesting because she's not one-dimensional. She cries one minute. then bullies and manipulates, so as an actor it's like playing lots of different roles. People love to hate her!