Interview with Maggie O’Neill
Q: Where is your favourite place to be at 10pm on a Friday?
A: Curled up on the sofa with my boyfriend. I rush back to London to be with him every spare moment I get.
Q: What’s your favourite comfort food?
A: Marmite on white toast with lots of butter and a cup of tea. I can eat several slices at any time of the day. It’s not that healthy because it’s so salty, but I just love it.
Q: What was your last major purchase?
A: A lovely, pink, crushed silk Dolce and Gabbana dress and a pair of Prada mules. Sadly the dress was a very expensive bad buy. The first time I wore it, I spilt red wine over it and it won’t come out. I’ll never be able to wear it again.
Q: What brings a lump to your throat?
A: Memories of my dad Tom. He died four years ago and I miss him every day.
Q: What’s your pet hate?
A: Arrogant people with superior attitudes – people who are unnecessarily rude when they could easily be pleasant.
Q: What cosmetic can’t you live without?
A: Mascara. I just couldn’t go without wearing any.
Q: What’s your biggest shopping indulgence?
A: CD’s are my big passion. I buy stacks at a time. I love all sorts of music from Cerys Matthews of Catatonia to Dusty Springfield.
Q: What’s your favourite song?
A: It’s got to be I Say A Little Prayer by Aretha Franklin.
Q: What book are you reading at the moment?
A: A biography of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. She really was an extraordinary woman – it’s a fascinating read. I’d love to play her on TV.
Q: What’s your worst habit?
A: Smoking. I only smoke when I’m drinking and then I chain smoke. Worse still, I’m one of those awful people who bum cigarettes off other people – I don’t want to buy them because that would be admitting that I smoke.
Q: Where do you buy your underwear?
A: Rigby and Peller for bras. They are fantastic – they fit like a treat and the staff are wonderful. For the rest, I go to Marks & Spencer, like everyone else.
Q: Which shop can’t you live without?
A: M&S in Brixton, South London, near where I live. I dash in there for food and shopping mainly. The staff are ever so nice to me. Whenever, I’ve been out of work, they’ve been generally concerned. They take a real interest.
Q: What is the biggest misconception about you?
A: I may appear to be successful and confident, but in reality, I’m a complete mess, a basket case. For instance, I get nervous in the country – in my imagination there’s more potential for danger there. It probably comes from watching too many horror movies. When I’m away filming, I always sleep with the light on.
Q: What makes you happy?
A: Being around people. I’m at my happiest when I’m surrounded by friends or family.
Q: Do you have a nickname? If so, what?
A: I’ve been called Marge since I was at drama school. I like it.
Q: What was the last CD you bought?
A: Kaleidoscope by Kelis.
Q: Who would be your ideal date for dinner for two?
A: My boyfriend. He’s an artist. We met in October 1999 at a party and we’ve been together ever since.
Q: Could you forgive a cheating partner?
A: Probably not. But I’d never say never about most things.
Q: What’s your New Year’s resolution?
A: To learn to drive. On Peak Practice my driving is all courtesy of camera magic. I’m nervous in cars, but I’m determined to get over it and learn to drive.