Last Word... Sharon Small
Woman's Own, 18 February 2008, pg. 74
The Mistresses star, 40, has a heart-to-heart about babies, beaches and blondes...
In Mistresses, your character, Trudi, has date mishaps. What's your worst date?
When my partner, Dan, asked me out, we hadn't seen each other for a year. I was playing Barbara Havers in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries and had changed my hair from blonde to brown, and the first thing he said was, 'Oh my God! You've got brown hair!' He was so disappointed I said, 'Shall I just leave now?' Fortunately, we had a great date.
Do you share Trudi's body image worries?
We all obsess sometimes about our bodies, but I think there's a part of my brain that has the ability to go, 'Get a grip, Sharon. Nothing's that bad.'
Who's your best friend?
Dan. We first met 10 years ago but we didn't start going out for ages. He has the ability to see things clearly when I'm a mess.
Would you stay if someone cheated on you?
I would have when I was younger, but not now. I couldn't forgive it.
What's your biggest regret?
Being an older mum. I've had a lovely life, but it hit me the other day that it means I'll have less time with my kids. I'm five months pregnant and have an 18-month-old son, Leo.
Any famous names in your mobile?
Doctor Who! David Tennant and I did quite a few little jobs together a long time ago.
What's your greatest fear?
Never having done enough. I'm always beating myself up that I haven't ticked all the boxes - whether it's spending enough time reading to my son or being a good enough cook.
What do you dislike about your looks?
My small head. I've been given big breasts and a buxom figure but not the elfin features to go with it. I try to hide it with big hair.
Where do you most like to shop?
At the moment it's Topshop maternity wear. I love being pregnant, but I keep forgetting words that I want to say.
What's been your worst job?
Potato picking for £2.50 a day when I was 14. By the end of the first day I'd frozen my fingers off!
What's your favourite food?
It has to be Thai - preferably in Thailand. It's full of everything I love - spices, coconut, fresh veg and sweet sticky rice.
What's your favourite holiday destination?
The Maldives. My partner Dan, who's 34 and a sales manager, and I had an outdoor shower and bathroom among the trees. We were six months into our relationship and it was a great way to get to know each other.
