LIFE CHOICES: Elisabeth Sladen
THE Doctor Who actress, 61, is married to actor Brian Miller. They have a daughter Sadie, also an actress, and live in West London
Food
Always the same or always game?
There aren’t many things I don’t like, although I can still remember the awful smell when my mother cooked tripe.
Cooking
Experimental or tried and tested?
I have been so busy filming The Sarah Jane Adventures [a spin-off of Doctor Who] that I don’t have much time to cook. I used to enjoy cooking, especially baking, which I learned from my mother. I once made my daughter a pink fairy castle cake but the towers wouldn’t stay up so I used pins – health and safety would not approve.
Clothes
M&S or D&G?
I like some designer clothes but what a price! I could never imagine paying the money for a designer handbag. I am much more of a TK Maxx person and if I need something special I go to Reiss.
Fashion
Victim or setter?
I’m a setter in that if someone else is wearing what I’m wearing then I’ll never wear it again. I know how I want to look and what I suit. I particularly love jackets and own lots. My approach to fashion is to make something your own.
Shopping
Until you drop or avoid at all costs?
I can go all day but I have to have pit stops. I have learned to shop only when I don’t need something because panic buying can be disastrous.
Holidays
Beach or piste?
With my workload at the moment I’m looking forward to some peace on the beach. I enjoy sightseeing but only if I’ve rested by the sea first. My favourite destination is a little place we go to on Mallorca, which is a gem. I love it.
Approach to Life
Mañana or right now?
I’m very much right now. I have to get everything done and as a result I’m a bit slapdash and drive my family mad. My dad was organised – no one could pack a case like him, no one could shine shoes like him. It was an art form.
Drink
Beer or Bolli?
I have discovered the vodka martini cocktail. You have to mix it just right but it’s a great drink. In winter I like a whisky and in summer either white or red wine.
Friends
Quantity or quality?
I have lovely friends although they are scattered now. I’ve also made new, very good friends through filming the Sarah Jane series, for example my make-up artist and costume designer.
Entertainment
Intimate dinner or big bash?
It all depends what mood I’m in. I like going out with a few friends and having Sunday lunch at the pub. I haven’t had a big partyfor a long time but it’s something I do enjoy.
Housekeeping
Aggie & Kim or Wayne & Waynetta?
My daughter says Aggie and Kim. I like everything to be in order and get pleasureout of it. I also love ironing and the sight of all those big neat piles of clothes at the end.
Cars
Boy racer or Sunday driver?
I don’t really think about cars – they just have to have an engine and four wheels. A motorised pram would do me.
Money
Rainy day or live for today?
I used to live for today but that has changed because I have more responsibilities. However there was something nice about living in digs and not being responsible for anything.
Property
Urban chic or rural retreat?
I quite like both. As a necessity we live in London but are at the stage where we are starting to think about moving.
Children
Mary Poppins or Cruella de Vil?
I loved it when my daughter was little – we had great fun and games. I watched her school plays and threw great parties for her. I like babies too. A neighbour is expecting twins and I can’t wait to get hold of them.
Health
Alternative or aspirin?
I’m an avid follower of alternative medicine. I have a wonderful homeopathic doctor and a reflexologist who is brilliant. I am reading up on Ayurvedic medicine, which is fascinating.
Fitness
Jane Fonda or Jim Royle?
I used to be Jane Fonda and still have her fitness video but I hurt my back a few years ago and have to be careful. I recently tried Pilates and I also walk a lot.
Technology
Gadget girl or technophobe?
I’m not very interested in technology although I have finally learned to text. A friend says she will teach me to work a laptop but to be honest I’d rather go for coffee.
The third series of The Sarah Jane Adventures starts today at 4.30pm on BBC1