'The only way I'll ever run a marathon is if I'm involved in the administration': Under the microscope with actress Sally Phillips.

Can you run up stairs?

I'm always up and down the steps of my not-so-gigantic house but I'm not fit. The only way I'll ever run a marathon is if I'm involved in the administration. I start the day with the intention of doing 4,000 sit-ups but then have to work.

Get your five a day?

I do. I go through phases of juicing things like beetroot, carrot, apple, and spinach, which gives me energy and makes me feel self-righteous. Then I'll eat a slice of walnut and coffee cake.

Ever dieted?

I don't have the self-discipline for diets; I break rules I set for myself so I try and eat more healthily, juice more, and avoid sugar.

Worst illness?

I've been troubled by food poisoning a few times. The worst was when I was in Mexico as a charity ambassador in 2002. The locals killed a chicken in honour of my visit, rolled it in a  powder, half cooked it and expected me to eat it. Naturally and gratefully I did. I ended up in hospital on a drip with salmonella poisoning.
When I flew home, I'd dropped from  8st to 5st (I'm 5ft 4in) and could only manage three hours a day out of bed. I saw various doctors, but a nutritionist eventually sorted me  out through an exclusion diet,  which removed everything pleasant, such as sugar.

Pop any pills?

My boys are nine, six and one, so I've had ten years of taking supplements because I've been either pregnant, trying to  get pregnant or breastfeeding. I might start taking fish oils again for the omega-3 fatty acids, as these ease painful joints after pregnancy.

When she was pregnant or breastfeeding, Sally took supplements

Would you have plastic surgery?

If I was involved in a fire, yes. I think everyone is forgetting what plastic surgery is for - if you have a face-eating tumour, lose a breast or are involved in a car accident, then it's a good idea.

Had anything removed?

Growing up in the Middle East and Africa (my father worked for British Airways) I was exposed to the sun and burnt a lot. About ten years ago I had a mole removed from my back as it had changed shape. Luckily it wasn't cancerous.  

Biggest phobia?

Snakes. My first memory, aged three, was when we lived in Borneo and a black mamba was in the house. My father pushed me away and killed it with his hockey stick.

Sleep well?

In my mid-20s I suffered with insomnia, due to writing late at night. Now I turn off the computer by 10pm, which does the trick.

Hangover cure?

A full English breakfast, although since having the kids I find I can't really drink very much.