June Brown

My sister happened to look at The Times, and there was advertised the Old Vic theatre school. I wrote, I suppose, and got an audition. They said I was in, so I burst into tears, because in those days I cried when I was happy and I cried when I was sad.

The elderly in Britain aren't really given enough respect.

I never wanted to be an actress. I wanted to go into the medical professional. Acting was not important enough. That was a hobby - nothing to do with what you did in life.

It's a dreadful thing to be strapped for cash when you are elderly. It's awful when you're young, too, but you always have hope.

All the women in 'Coronation Street' and 'Brookside,' they are all so funny. A lot of women bore me, but I love the strong women in soaps.

I've never entertained the idea of retiring because I've never regarded myself as having a proper job. Anyway, retirement can be the death of you.

I don't bother with computers, although I have an electronic reader.