What was your nickname when you were growing up?
At boarding school it was "Miss Sketchley". I was very particular about hanging my uniform up each night — so I got named after the local dry cleaners.
If you could only have one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chocolate sponge pudding when the sponge is moist on top and the sauce is lurking in a dark pool — lush.
Who is the most influential person in your life?
Any authors I happen to be reading. At the moment it's Mozart's letters.
What do you keep under your bed?
Anything the vacuum misses. My bedroom is for sleeping — I don't do anything else, or keep much in there.
Do you sing in the shower?
No, I find that habit vaguely embarrassing. It could be something to do with when Dad took me Christmas shopping. He'd have to wait hours while I deliberated between lavender or orange soap. He'd burst into song in the middle of the shop to get me to hurry up.
Are you religious?
Yes, I do believe in God. My father is Catholic and my mum is Protestant. I love Catholic ritual but I would find it hard to choose between the two.
Do you remember your first date?
I remember clashing metal braces — mine and his — after a visit to McDonald's. I don't remember his name.
If I gave you an elephant, where would you hide it?
Up your bum!
Actress Rachael Stirling, 27, starred in the drama Tipping the Velvet. She lives in London.
