Quotes

It's a vicious circle. If you feel hideous, you convey it to people. A couple of male friends from university have said, 'I quite fancied you, but I wouldn't have dared...' and I was like, oh really? I was completely amazed that anyone had ever fancied me, and also that I'd obviously given an impression of 'Don't touch me'.

[on Miranda (2009)] We rehearse for three days and there isn't much room for mucking about, but usually someone gets the giggles at something off the cuff - worryingly often nothing to do with the scripts.

The studio floor is where the hard work pays off. You're in studios where your comedy heroes performed and you're making your own show.

When I wrote the show, I didn't have anyone in mind to play the parts - apart from the naturally beautiful actress who plays Miranda, of course. But wow, I couldn't have got luckier. We've genuinely become the best of friends. I even holiday with Sarah (Sarah Hadland). We all share a love of the silly, of Strictly Come Dancing (2004), of dogs, of food, and all believe that breaking wind is never not funny.

The live audiences are so supportive - when I hear the first laugh, it's a huge high. There's nothing more rewarding than a laugh you've created.

[on finishing Miranda (2009)] I'm possibly saying goodbye to the best part I'll ever play.

The director Juliet May is a close friend (also Strictly obsessed), as are producers Emma Strain and Jo Sargent, and floor manager Julie Sykes. When we all get together (forgive the potential naffness), it's truly special. They've all looked after my creative baby. It's rare to get such a tight-knit group. We're just going to have to work together on everything else. It will have to be contractual.

I will remain shocked until the end of my days that my sitcom (Miranda (2009)) ended up being popular - and being watched. It's not something you really imagine. I hope they will always be fans and won't desert me now the show is over!

I'm particularly touched that teenagers identify with my silliness. It makes my life when I meet a young person who's been cheered by the show and feels they've the right to be more themselves. That mandate for my work is truly special.

When I write the scripts, I never quite grasp the fact that people will build sets and direct what my silly mind's come up with.