Anita Dobson

I've been working in radio on and off for most of my career. There's a restfulness about it. It's more focused on the voice, so you don't have to worry about extraneous things like sound effects, as there's someone there to look after that.

I refused to describe myself as an actress until 'EastEnders' because, until then, I couldn't support myself without doing other jobs.

I didn't have children because I was passionate about having my career.

I can do glamour, but I can also play something like I did in the play 'Wild Justice,' where I was demented with grief and anger, and there was snot coming out of my nose, and my clothes were all over the place.

Going to drama school was the start of my journey of discovery and getting to know myself.

We learn by misfortune.

Whether the public like me or not, I am who I am.

When I was a kid, I used to watch all those Sunday afternoon matinees featuring all the Hollywood greats.

I went from being a jobbing actress who was just earning a living to being the second most photographed woman in Britain, next to Princess Diana - but it was exciting, too, and I wouldn't have swapped it for a second.

I went into acting because I wanted to be seen being someone else, not me!

I am very glad I did 'EastEnders,' and I'm flattered that people still remember me in it.

For me, to be on television and not be afraid of making a mistake is freeing.