What matters to me: Christine Bottomley, Actress and star of Hope Springs

Who would attend your fantasy dinner party and what would you eat?

I'd invite Robert Burns, as he was a handsome devil. We'd have haggis, neeps, tatties and a ten-year-old peaty malt.

Who did you last text and what was the message?

I texted my 19-year-old nephew to tell him not to forget that it's his gran's 70th birthday coming up.

It's not cool but...

I'm a big fan of Dolly Parton. In fact, I recently went to see her play at Wembley Stadium.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

Treat others as you'd like to be treated.

What's the worst job you ever had?

When I was 17 and skint, I answered an ad for a telesales executive. It turned out to be selling encyclopaedias from door to door.

Who is your favourite fictional character?

Owen Meany from A Prayer for Owen Meany, a book by John Irving. He's quite an unusual little boy with his faults, but is so charming that you're with him all the way.

What are you afraid of?

Mice. There were a couple on the set when I was filming Hope Springs and I went to pieces.

Did you have a nickname growing up? What was it and why?

With my surname, the world is your oyster when it comes to nicknames. People still call me Bottom or Bum.

What situations make you lose your temper?

I hate selfish people who aren't respectful towards others, especially their elders.

If you could choose a profession that you would like to try, what would that be? Why?

I'd love to be something quite fantastical, like a cowgirl. At least I'd be one step closer to Dolly.

What food or drink is always in your fridge?

It's not very rock 'n'roll but I always have celery. My Auntie Dina brings me bunches of it, so that I can make it into fresh soup. There's also soya milk in the fridge, which I hate. I'm attempting a dairy-free diet.

If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?

I'd like to have more faith in myself and be less indecisive.

If you could travel back in time, where would you go?

I'd like to go back in time to see Elvis Presley in concert when he was at his peak, to see what all the fuss was about.

Saturday night or Sunday morning?

Sunday morning. I love the Sunday papers and a roast.

Who or what is the love of your life?

My boyfriend, a certain talented Northern artist.

- Christine Bottomley stars in the drama Hope Springs, tomorrow, BBC1, 8pm.