I cannot understate the ability to handle classical texts such as Shakespeare.

I only have three scenes and each is a turn and she gets progressively drunker. It’s all terribly funny and its main challenge is that it’s so far away from what I usually do.

They handled it very badly. It was disappointing and very humiliating. John York was very rude. He never consulted with me over what he said to the press.

Tom is the most eccentric person I have ever worked with. We get on very well and I am most impressed with how he can hold an audience in the palm of his hand.

I cannot understate the ability to handle classical texts such as Shakespeare.

We were the victims of the new producer but what annoyed me was they told the press we were leaving before us.

It definitely puts a strain on family life – I miss them like mad. Being a working mother I’ve been juggling house and career from day one. I want to hold out for telly for the second half of the year.

They can certainly expect to be very impressed with the technical aspects of the show, fooled and led up the garden path by the story and ultimately have a jolly good laugh!

I think I was first choice for the part. I don’t know – that’s what they always tell you anyway. I didn’t have to do any audition for the part. Sam saw me in Dinner and the whole thing slipped into place.

I never watch TV. I’m a Radio Four addict. I love listening to music too.

I’ve been on the road for four years. I won’t recognise the place again, until I walk out on stage.

He was incredibly good as Dr Who. He brought all his eccentricities to the role and was so charismatic and charming. He must be the fans firm favourite.

It’s a comedy thriller, brilliantly written and it’s full of twists and turns at every page. When I was reading it I was desperate to get to the end to find out what happens, it really hooks you.

I would love to go back as Leela in this new series.

I think it’s one of my favourite theatres ever, so quirky and wonderful and steeped in history. The space is wonderful and the acoustics are brilliant.

I’m hopefully touring with Colin Baker next year in Perfect Strangers. I have performed with Sylvia Simms in poetry and music evenings. I would love to do those for the rest of my career – they are so fun and witty.

I found that a bit unfair. However, I did feel quite liberated when I left. I’m very grateful to the show – it revived a flagging career, but I’m glad to be away from it now.

It was all to do with the change of producer as well as political reasons I don’t really comprehend.

They must have a feeling of do or die. It is such an overcrowded profession.

I’m quite grateful to the BBC. They helped me back onto the touring circuit.