Pauline McLynn: My TV strip got me to the gym
The Shameless actress is 47 and lives in London and Dublin with husband Richard Cook, a producer and agent
FOOD
Always the same or always game?
I have nothing against trying something new. The only things I don't like are English mustard and custard creams - I think they are the work of the Devil.
COOKING
Experimental or tried and tested?
I do a very good Indian feast including a spinach and lentil dahl. I always have the ingredients for that in the cupboard.
As I'm filming I've been avoiding eating garlic but I love putting it into lots of dishes.
ENTERTAINMENT
Intimate dinner or a big bash?
I don't go to that many parties. Generally a night out for me would be just a few quiet jars with friends.
CLOTHES
M&S or D&G?
I'm more high street than designer. Topshop is a favourite and the underwear department of Marks & Spencer is very useful. I do have a purple D&G coat and Vivienne Westwood makes clothes for women with curves so I sometimes look there.
HOLIDAYS
Beach or piste?
I've never gone skiing as I was always a bit awkward as a child so I'm afraid I'll break something. Lying in the sun is preferable. I'm not a sun worshipper but could become one.
New York is my favourite city.
APPROACH TO LIFE
Mañana or right now?
I have to be right now because I'm working to a lot of deadlines. I'm on rewrites of my novel which is out in July and then when I'm filming I have to be on time every day.
DRINK
Beer or Bolli?
I love a glass of fizz and enjoy a couple of glasses of wine in the evening.
CARS
Boy racer or Sunday driver?
I don't have a licence but it's time I had some proper lessons. I learned to drive years ago but never kept it up. I love walking because I get to daydream.
MONEY
Rainy day or live for today?
I've become more live for today as I don't see the point of not spending it when you've got it. After all, we're only here for a short time. Pink champagne is my money weakness.
PROPERTY
Urban chic or rural retreat?
I'm urban chic at the moment. I live in Soho and can see Carnaby Street from my window. I love it. However I'd like to live by the sea one day.
FRIENDS
Quantity or quality?
Can I choose both? With my best friends we just pick up where we left off. I know if there was ever a crisis they would be there. I also keep making new very good friends.
SHOPPING
Until you drop or avoid at all costs?
I like shopping but some days it goes well and other days you don't see a thing you want. Accidental shopping works better for me.
DÉCOR
Minimal or cosy?
The places I live are white walled but I have some nice paintings in our Dublin house, nothing expensive but I did a history of art degree so I've always been interested in paintings and sculpture.
RUBBISH
Bin it or recycle it?
I'm a recycler. It kills me to throw out something I think might be re-used.
FITNESS
Jane Fonda or Jim Royle?
I've become more of a Jane Fonda. In Shameless I took my clothes off so I had to be sure there weren't too many extra bits of me. I've lost about half a stone in the past year. I go to the gym and love the cross-trainer which I never thought I would.
TECHNOLOGY
Gadget girl or technophobe?
Technophobe, I'm afraid. At the moment I've one of those dongle things for my e-mail and it's just decided to go on strike but I don't know what I've done wrong. I like e-mailing people because it's like writing a letter.
The box set of Shameless series 1-7 is released by 4DVD on Monday May 17.