Emily Watson

When the time came to make a decision about what do in life, I found myself thinking that acting was the thing I loved to do, so I applied to drama school. And then, I didn't get in - twice.

I was a normal, rather dutiful child. I didn't even rebel as a teenager.

I was a pretentious child. I grew up without a television. I read a lot of books and I loved Shakespeare. Still do.

I have always had confidence in my own ability.

People say if you're doing an art project, that's different from a book, but I honestly don't see it. I try and try, and I just don't.

I know I'm not the kind of person who's gonna wind up a walking jukebox, like many rock 'n' roll artists. They just play their hits and that's it. That doesn't appeal to me.