Ruth Wilson

I've always been very vocal, but there have been moments where I've found it difficult to negotiate things that are about gender.

I love meeting people and analysing their world. I like having a puzzle to solve. That's why I do so much work in advance. Even if it doesn't affect my performance in the end, I just find it so much more interesting if I've got as wide as possible an understanding of the material.

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

There's such a huge link with fashion, with front covers of magazines and selling products, but that's not what you go into the job for, and yet you're persuaded that's what you have to do to create the opportunities for yourself.

I studied history at university, so I'm always quite fascinated by the Second World War and France. That's one of my interests.

My remit has always been: I want to do something different from the last thing I've done.

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

I do things on a whim.

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.

I've always been quite shy. Very confident but very shy.

I come from theatre, and I feel like I have to go back to it every few years because it's like nourishment for the soul. And, as an actor, it's the place you have most control: no one cuts or edits you, and you get to tell the story each night.