My sister and I used to put on little shows in the living room, often behind the long, brown and orange hessian curtains that hung to the floor – bearing in mind this was the Seventies. We’d emerge from behind them like mini performers. It was a far cry from anything professional, but those little touches made it feel special, even if it was just for us.

I used to take local dance classes, but everything changed when I was in my early teens. I went to a residential, council-funded course through Cheshire Youth Theatre, which I received a grant to attend. That experience completely changed my life. I remember thinking, this is what I want to do, 100 per cent, for my job.

I also took part in Manchester Youth Theatre, which was another incredible opportunity. It’s really sad now to think that programs like this, which were funded by grants and local councils, may not exist the way they used to. How are young people today supposed to access these kinds of life-changing experiences? It’s heartbreaking to imagine that the same opportunities might not be there for the next generation.

Lesley Manville. I think she’s extraordinary. She’s so classy, and I’ve had the good fortune to meet her a few times socially. She’s just incredible. What strikes me most about her is how modest she is, despite being so incredibly talented. The fact that she can do something like Mum on BBC Two – a brilliant comedy – and then take the lead in a huge Hollywood film is incredible. When you look at the range of her work, from Mike Leigh films to everything else, it’s clear she can do it all. She can play working-class roles, and she can play high-end characters – she’s just so versatile, and she does it all so well. I think she’s just phenomenal.

I also really admire Alison Steadman; I had the privilege of playing her daughter in a film years ago. She’s another actress with an incredible range. Like Lesley, she can move seamlessly between different roles, and it’s truly inspiring. And, of course, Emma Thompson – she’s another one who’s just incredible. I’m lucky to have such incredible role models in the industry.

I love both theatre and television for very different reasons. Theatre holds a special place in my heart, and I make it a point to return to the stage every couple of years to stay connected to the craft. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of performing in a three-hander at the Arcola Theatre that explored themes of womanhood, motherhood, and the complexities of trying to become a mother. It was an incredible experience that reminded me why I love theatre so much. There’s nothing quite as real as being on stage, with an audience right there, fully engaged with your performance. It’s when I most feel like an actor – completely present and alive in the moment.

Television, on the other hand, offers a different kind of magic. It allows for subtlety and the opportunity to explore unusual, complex characters in ways that aren’t always possible on stage.

What really worked with Stevie and Miranda was the dynamic between us. My mum always pointed out how funny it was that I’m so small – I’m only five foot one and a half – and Miranda is so tall, six foot one, so there’s a whole foot between us. That physical contrast worked really well right from the start. But beyond the physical difference, what really made Stevie and Miranda click was that Stevie thought she was better than Miranda, but in reality, she was just as incompetent. She was this deluded boss, which I think was so relatable. The bossiness part of Stevie is definitely me. I’m very bossy – I love having a clipboard.

Another part of the characters I really identified with was how we were infantilised. We were supposed to be these adults in our 40s but we played them almost like teenagers. I think AA.Gill, who reviewed the show, called us ‘infantilised women’ and I was thrilled to even be on his radar. And, honestly, what’s wrong with that? We were showing how, in many ways, we were all still figuring things out, just like most people do, regardless of their age.

I think it really resonated with teenagers, especially because it showed adults being completely transparent about how they cope with life. There was no pretension, no false sense of having it all together. The show was full of fun but there was a real honesty to it. At the time, there was a lot of snobbery around traditional sitcoms, so Miranda was really brave in making that kind of show work.

Of course, it’s very emotional. We did three series and two specials, so in total there were 20 episodes. Then we also did a reunion show at the Palladium, which was just incredible. It felt like the right thing to do. I think it was very brave of Miranda to decide to go out while the show was still on a high, while people still wanted more. There’s something special about leaving when it’s beloved.

Of course, it would be amazing if there was ever a revival, but that’s entirely up to Miranda. Regardless, I will always look back on it as a very special job. It’s something that will remain an important part of my career – and my friendships.

A major career highlight for me was being cast as the lead in The Job Lot. It was such a rewarding experience, and to top it off, I was nominated for a Royal Television Society Award for Best Comedy Performance. There were only three nominees in the category, and I was the only female, which made it even more special. I was genuinely thrilled to be recognised alongside such remarkable talents.

I’ve always wanted to do Strictly – it’s something I’ve been asked about countless times over the years but each time something has stopped me. It never felt like the right moment. This year, though, everything just clicked into place. I thought, this is it. This is the time and I’m so glad I made that decision. You hear so many people say it’s one of the best things they’ve ever done, and now I can see why. I’m absolutely loving it.

The biggest challenge is knowing that, on a Saturday night, you’re placing yourself under immense pressure. One thing I’ve learned is to trust that others might see my potential better than I can. Vito, my partner, has been instrumental in this. There have been moments when he’s encouraged me to keep pushing, even when I doubted myself. He’s shown me that my body can remember things, even when my brain is telling me I can’t.

I think my main mantra is simply to do your best, which might sound like a cliché, but it’s something I genuinely believe in. In the industry I’m in there seems to be a movement that discourages openly saying, ‘I want to do this and I want to do it well’. Particularly when it comes to women, there’s often a negative stigma around wanting success, and I find that really depressing. There seems to be this misconception that if a woman wants to succeed, she has to do so by bringing another woman down. I really hope that tide is turning. We’re so lucky in this industry to do something we love, and that’s something to celebrate.

Staying fit, strong, and healthy is a top priority for me – I strive to be as active as possible. I absolutely love being outdoors, and camping is one of my greatest joys. There’s something so magical about the simplicity of it: pitching a tent, cooking on my little camping stove, falling asleep with the stars above, and waking to the sound of birdsong. It’s a chance to reset and connect with nature, living by its rhythm – sleeping when it’s dark and rising with the light.