Ruth Wilson

“I remembered a mantra that one of my teachers used to tell me at drama school, that every thought will pass across your face. Even if you're thinking about Shreddies the camera will read it.”

“I've got friends who are so good at getting away with things, like going up to the desk to get upgraded on a plane, for example. I haven't got any of that kind of confidence in those situations. I look so awkward. I act awkward. I'm really apologetic.”

“A cat is incredibly physical, and as a performer, I'm physical. If I feel emotions, they move through my body in a way that is sensual. I'm not necessarily in control of that.”

“The difficult thing for me is going to a event and having to be dressed up and being judged for what you wear. People care so much about that these days.”

“Judgment comes from you comparing yourself to other people, and expectations of what you think life should be.”

“There are lots of moments that are great for an actress.”

“I always vaguely knew I wanted to perform, but I haven't got the greatest singing voice and my dancing isn't up to scratch. Acting was really the only alternative. My parents have been really supportive throughout.”

“I remember being about 14 when I started wearing shorts and heels. I hated the attention I got. I found it overwhelming.”

“Cats don't need you that much. They like to come and get stroked now and then, and they need you to feed them. But other than that, they're not very demanding, are they? I quite like that.”

“There are a lot more roles for men than there are for women. So men get their fee up by sheer quantity of material.”

“I do get recognised, but if I'm in a restaurant, I'll get one person noticing me, not the whole place. It is uncomfortable when people try and sneak a picture; sometimes, I don't feel like being seen. But I don't stop myself doing stuff. I go to Barry's Bootcamp and yoga just like anyone else.”

“I come from the south, so you're useless, and you're a bit pathetic. That's the first thing that the northerners think of you. You're also from the city, so you are used to having your cappuccinos and your luxuries and getting your chicken from a plastic packet.”

“I haven't got one or two people that I aspired to be like.”

“People don't know what goes on in my private life, so they have to make conjecture from something that is photographed.”

“People know my characters like Alice Morgan in 'Luther' or Alison Bailey from 'The Affair.' For me, that's a compliment, a kind of joy.”

“It's the preparation that's my favourite part of the process.”

“It's a good time for me, but it's only recently I've become comfortable in my job. At the start, it's hard having the nerve to call yourself an actor, let alone doing it. I gave myself two years after drama school, and if I didn't make it, then I'd give it up.”

“I didn't know anyone in my family who acted; no one in my immediate family did any acting.”

“I don't know about writing. It's quite lonely. You have to have a lot of patience with yourself. I don't know if I could do that. But I'd love to direct again.”

“The only ultimate power you have as a human being is over your choice to live or die. Everything else is chaos. If you try and think you have control over some of your life, essentially, that's the only real control you have, is whether you decide to exist.”