[on being directed by Alfred Hitchcock in Frenzy (1972)] Early on he was concerned about every detail - clothes and colours and sets and dressings. But then he got slow physically. Off the set the only conversation that seemed to interest him was about food - he taught me how to make a good batter - and later I realised that this was apt at a time we were making a film so crowded with food.

[on Alfred Hitchcock] He would always before a take tell you some dirty schoolboy joke. He did that to relax you because it relaxed him.

I'm not instinctive. It takes enormous discipline and bravery to get me there [playing a role].

Actors marrying each other is not a good idea.

Theatre eats up too much of your family life. I have a grandson and a husband and I'd rather I was able to be a granny and a wife.

My education finished at fifteen; if I'd stayed at school I'm not sure I'd have become an actor.

I think however old and blind and prune-like one may look, the spirit that goes on inside you stays young and flirtatious.