- I know how to build a block of flats. I have watched them for hours building the foundations. I've watched bricks being laid, like Lego. I've seen workers sacked. There is always something to engross you in life.
- I'm still learning how to enter a room on my own. From my dad to my first husband to my second husband, I've always had a man around. This week I went to a party at the National and going upstairs I met the designer Bob Crowley and asked him to hold my hand. But I always had John's hand in mine. We thought we were going off into the sunset together.
- The public are amazing. I know I can't over value it because it's not as real as one's friends love, but it's deeply touching and I was very grateful for it.
- [on accepting the CBE and being a devout Quaker] They said it was fine because it was for my work and it was earned.
- I know people who get called national treasures who are vile.
- The public have always been nice to me and don't pester me. You do get a bit fed up with the selfies. I often wonder what John (John Thaw) would do. Thank God they weren't invented before he died.
- I am a member of the Labour Party but I am a bit ambivalent at the moment. I could not vote for anybody else but I am a bit worried at the moment. We have got to vote whatever.
- [on being made a Dame] I've never felt myself this sort of person. It just doesn't happen to people like me. I feel I may be lowering the tone. I feel slightly miscast, let's put it that way.
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