I'm happy with the idea of being a mum first and an actress second - I'm perfectly content for people to think of me as a stay-at-home mum, rather than an actress, if that is their perception.

I just don't want to miss anything in the lives of my children while they are still young. It's why I don't audition for leading roles at all and why I say no to some of the supporting roles that I do get offered.

My mother worked when I was growing up, so I was under the impression I'd find it easy to be a working mum. But I found it very hard to be away from my family, even for short periods of time.

I gained 65 pounds with my first baby and 70 with my second. I had severe morning sickness both times, so I mostly ate supersize bowls of white pasta with loads of butter and cheese because that was the only thing that took away the nausea.

I've auditioned so many times and been told I'm 'not sporty enough' or I'm 'not sexy.'

Am I disappointed occasionally by the lack of irony in some movies? Yes.

It's a myth that you can have it all. You can't, but more importantly, I don't think you should want to. It sounds exhausting!

I auditioned for a movie recently, and when I went in, the producer said he'd told one of its stars, Naomi Watts, that he was auditioning me, and she'd said, 'She's so funny; she's a great actress - you should hire her.' What a lovely, kind, and supportive thing to do for another woman.

I've had no helping hand in Hollywood. But in general, I've found that when it comes to getting jobs, what's meant for you can't pass you by.

The most romantic thing a guy has ever done for me is starting a family. That's as romantic as it gets.