LESLEY NICOL

I'm an ambassador for Medical Detection dogs.

I don't do freeways.

I can do basics, but I'm not a proper cook. I can do a roast. I can stick a chicken in the oven with vegetables.

I met Bette Midler, who I absolutely love.

I quite like L.A.

I did an O-level in domestic science when I was at school, but on the day of the practical exam, it was a cookery nightmare.

People I've never spoken to before come up to me and give me a hug.

When I heard I had gotten 'Downton Abbey,' I remember I was standing on a freezing cold street in Manchester where we were shooting the Manchester part of 'West is West.'

For many years, I picked the wrong men, or they picked me. I think if you don't feel attractive or worth something as a woman, you attract men who don't really look after you. That's what happened to me, but I realise that those relationships were like a journey, helping me to learn something about myself.

I wish I could play the piano. I started when I was four and finished when I was five. I got bored. I couldn't tell my left hand from my right back then!

The first meal my husband ever made me was a chicken curry. I have never tasted anything so delicious in my life.

The first time I ever got up on a stage, I did a comedy poem. I don't know how I got there in the first place because I was very, very shy.

People are always asking me for my favorite recipe, and I have to say, 'I don't really have one.'

When you look back, I think things are as they are meant to be. Timing is very important.

Visiting a show that's already established can be a bit daunting, as they've been a family already, and you're the newbie.

I mean, I've done musicals, but it's not my best thing.

I believe anything can happen.

I guess that is my favorite thing - to make people laugh and also to maybe engage them emotionally and touch them somehow in telling the story.

My husband is a martial artist, and he thinks it's hilarious that I have a stage-fighting-proficiency certificate. He thinks that's ridiculous. Can't say I've used it much.

I get invited to a lot more glamorous parties since I've been in 'Downton Abbey,' which has made me much more fashion conscious.

I've been to the White House and had Hilary Clinton push through the crowd to come and meet me. Chelsea Clinton, too.

I've not cooked Christmas dinner since 1982.

'Sweeney Todd' is my favorite Sondheim musical.

The first role I played was Madame Ranevsky in 'The Cherry Orchard.'

My poor cooking is legendary among my friends.