I want to be a musical star...

Anna Friel – talks about the best and worst of times

Anna , 26, who’s in the romantic IT comedy Watermelon, has been attracting headlines ever since her Brookside character Beth Jordache has a lesbian kiss almost a decade ago. She’s been with actor David Thewlis for three years.

What’s been your best decision?

Going into Brookside rather than drama school. I learned so many things on the set. Theatre also stretches me now. It’s a totally different way of working. I’d love to do more of it. Actually I’d love to do a musical one day.

And your worst?

Nothing as such, except that whenever I take a break from work and David can’t come with me, there’s a bit of me that wants to stay at home. I miss him dreadfully while we’re apart, but that’s good, I think!

Which other actors do you admire?

David and I are friendly with Dustin Hoffman and I admire him not only for his acting skills but also for his personal and political integrity. I also adore Brenda Fricker, who plays my mum in Watermelon. And I could watch Judi Dench forever – as I could Maggie Smith, Julie Walters and Katharine Hepburn.

What’s your most cherished possession?

David’s Valentine gift this year – a set of calligraphy pens, along with sketch books and notepads. I love writing and drawing in my spare moments.

What’s been your most embarrassing professional moment?

Any scene that involves stripping off, like in a bath or shower. It always takes ages and you just hope someone keeps the water warm. But I just grin and bear it. Or perhaps “bare it” would be better!

Describe your childhood in a couple of sentences…

Very loving, warm and encouraging. Mum and Dad are still my best friends.

What’s your ultimate ambition?

David and I would love to have children. But with our lives as they are now, it might be best to wait a few years. When I do have children, I want to be there for them. But I want to keep on acting – staying at home all the time changing nappies would turn me into a basket case.

Tell us a secret about yourself…

When I was on Broadway, in the play Closer, I got such bad stage fright that I threw up before every performance.

Are you happier now than five years ago?

Definitely. For a start I’m with David, and that’s given me a lot of focus. We’re not party animals – I’ve got over all of that – we like our own company and that of good friends.

Who’s your favourite person?

David, obviously. Before I go into anything new, I get very nervous and uptight, and David is great at calming me down. He’s made me feel much more confident. He’e my biggest hero ever.

Who gets your goat – and why?

Actors who moan about how small their trailers are, and so on. I can’t be doing with that. I just get on with it – and so should they. Otherwise it’s people who are rude, and can’t be bothered to show consideration to others.

What are the best and worst things about fame?

Well, I suppose it might be blagging your way to a better table in a restaurant – not that I ever have. I’m proud to say. That kind of thing is just not in my nature. The worst is being followed around by cameras. David and I would like some private life, if you don’t mind.

Your best and worst personality trait?

One and the same thing, I’ve always told the truth, no matter what – so that’s a good thing. But sometimes my honesty has been to my own detriment. I don’t think I’ve ever told a whopper – but even if I had, I’d hardly reveal it, as that would ruin the lie, wouldn’t it?

-As told to Phil Penfold.