Actor Fay Ripley reveals all in our 10 quick questions

Fay Ripley answers our 10 quick questions.

Was it love at first sight with your husband?

At first, I wondered why the most beautiful, funny man in the world would be interested in little old me, so I assumed he was gay and just wanted me to be his mate.

Have you done anything unusual to prove your love for him?

I used to collect his belly button fluff. And I once ate it. Seriously!

As well as acting, you’ve carved out a career as a writer of cookbooks?

Yes. Especially food for all the family. I insist on pictures to go with that. I hate cookery books without pictures.

Do you savour food or just gulp it?

I’m afraid I wolf it down.

How do you handle a bad audition?

I always do the same thing. It’s become my tradition I just cry.

Do you watch yourself on TV?

Very rarely. I don’t watch much telly at all anymore. I don’t have the time.

When you do see yourself on TV, what do you think?

If I catch it accidentally I look at it and think: “Who’s that old bird who looks like my dad?”

What’s been your most unusual filming job?

I shot a movie in Russia once it was minus 30 degrees. They had two very large ladies on the payroll whose only job was to sandwich me in between them during breaks to keep my body temperature up.

How do you know if a comedy is a success?

I just like it if it’s funny and makes me laugh. When we revived Reggie Perrin a few years ago it could have been a disaster, but it was funny. That’s all that matters.

You have 24 hours left to live. How do you spend the time?

I would be cooking. And I’d be eating loads of wheat because I have a wheat allergy, but it wouldn’t matter then would it? I’d also have my first cigarette in nearly 20 years.