ANNETTE CROSBIE: My big dream is to drive a Ferrari
The actress, 75, lives in south-west London. She has two children, Owen and Selina Griffi ths by ex-husband actor Michael Griffiths
Food
Always the same or always game?
I’m not a great bon viveur and don’t frequent restaurants too often but I’ll eat anything that’s put in front of me. Put it this way, I know how mince and tatties should taste and don’t like it when they don’t taste right.
Cooking
Experimental or tried and tested?
I don’t like cooking for people and find entertaining very strenuous. I’m not an idiot, I can read a recipe but I envy people who can just chuck things into a pot. I can’t do that even with things I’ve cooked many times and I still have to weigh everything out. I cook a passable kedgeree which I really enjoy.
Clothes
M&S or D&G?
M&S was always my standby but it hasn’t been for some time. At one point I was a big Jean Muir fan but these days I don’t spend a lot of money on clothes as I tend to go for comfort above all else. On the high street I’ll pop into Phase Eight from time to time.
Fashion
Victim or setter?
I had a friend who could look at something on a hanger and know exactly what it would look like on. I’ve never had that gift. I look at fashion in magazines because I enjoy a joke. Who and what are these outfits made for?
Shopping
Until you drop or avoid at all costs?
I really enjoy looking round glamorous make-up counters and can’t pass a jeweller’s window without stopping for a look but a day going round the shops trying on clothes? No thanks.
Holidays
Beach or piste?
I don’t go on holiday as such but acting has given me the chance to work in lots of different countries. I prefer not to travel too often because I don’t like to leave my dogs. The seaside doesn’t appeal as sand gets everywhere. I would like to go to Venice though before I pop my clogs.
Approach to Life
Mañana or right now?
Right now or even sooner if possible. I’m highly organised. Actually it’s not a question of being organised, it’s guilt, Presbyterian guilt.
Friends
Quantity or quality?
Quality but sadly I’ve lost a lot of friends recently. I’ve always found it difficult to keep up with friends in London because it takes so long to get anywhere. It’s quicker to travel from Glasgow to Edinburgh than it is to travel across London.
Entertainment
Intimate dinner or big bash?
Big bashes are out because I’m going deaf and find it difficult to follow a conversation when in large groups. I prefer small gatherings at friends’ houses.
Drink
Beer or Bolli?
Both. I’m past the point where it’s going to kill me.
Housekeeping
Aggie & Kim or Wayne & Waynetta?
I’m neurotic about housework – it’s my mother’s influence. She would say things such as: “Don’t wear that, it’s clean,” or “Don’t sit on that bed, it’s made.” I can’t even have a cleaner because she would never meet mother’s standards.
Cars
Boy racer or Sunday driver?
I love cars and have just downsized from a Renault Megane to a Honda Jazz which is fine but how marvellous it would be to drive a Ferrari. I’m a boy racer at heart.
Money
Rainy day or live for today?
Because of my upbringing I’m terrified of being in debt. If I bought my mother a present she’d immediately ask how much it cost. My money weakness used to be shoes but not any more.
Décor
Minimal or cosy?
I prefer a minimal look because there are fewer things to dust but I have three rescued greyhound dogs that make the place look cluttered. They all have soft toys that they carry about and drop everywhere.
Children
Mary Poppins or Cruella de Vil?
It depends on the children. I have two granddaughters and am a strict granny. I’ll see them looking at one another as if to say, “What is this old woman on about?”
Technology
Gadget girl or technophobe?
It took me a long time to use even a washing machine. I’ve had a bread maker for quite a few years but all I’ve done is eye it up suspiciously – I’m sure I’ll get round to it at some point. I can e-mail and I can go so far on the internet and then for some unknown reason I grind to a halt.
Fitness
Jane Fonda or Jim Royle?
I walk my dogs twice a day for 20 minutes. I should have kept up with formal exercise but it’s so time-consuming.
Annette Crosbie stars in Hope Springs, BBC1, Sunday May 31, 8pm.