Some people have it, some don't. Benedict Cumberbatch has it in spades. He's very attractive to watch, and that's because he can act – if you saw him standing still you might think him plain.
People assume I'm posh because I'm one of the acting dames. I grew up in Tottenham and didn't used to speak like I do now. The thing we dames really have in common is that we're all rather bossy, because you had to speak up for yourself in our day. If only I had the wonderful way of covering up my bossiness that Judi Dench has – it only seems to come out when she's making us all play games together.
My parents thought I was going to be a dancer, but at 12 I began to find it very offensive to be tap dancing in front of men in nightclubs. I suppose I vaguely knew about paedophilia. I was 14 when they allowed me to stop.
Acting is not in the blood. My parents weren't actors, but I imagine that if you've been brought up with actors you have a lovely time at home and just want that to carry on.
I'm quite careful about bothering younger people these days. Because, as much as I did like him, I often felt like I had to behave myself with Alec Guinness. I wouldn't want people to go for dinner with me and feel that way.
When I had cancer [Atkins survived breast cancer at 61], I used to long for people to send me caviar. It's the only highly expensive thing I like, but I haven't really been able to afford it since my 30s.
I don't believe in remaking television series. I should never have agreed to reviving Upstairs Downstairs because my heart wasn't in it, but part of me did think about my pension. Inside I thought: "It will see me through until I'm 94."
If a woman wants a child she'll find a way. I would have done, I'm sure, but when I was young I didn't want to think about anything else but work – and men, I'm afraid. I wouldn't have made a good mother. In fact, I'm always surprised that people are so sure their genes are going to make a good person – that's optimism in a big way.
I've become better at quelling my anger. I'm always very sorry afterwards and do all the right reparations, but my temper flares and I've done terrible things. I once took a knife to a man's deep-sea diving suit when we were arguing. I really don't how my husband is still with me.
Emails catch me out. My agent asked me to approve some photographs for my new play recently and I completely forgot to check them. Three days later I nearly passed out with shame. I really do look like a pretentious bitch. When people walk into the foyer it'll be the first thing they'll say.
I imagine I'll retire mid-performance. I'll say: "Sorry, everyone, I can't do this any more. I must have suddenly aged." Then I'll walk off. Yes, I'm sure that's how.
Eileen Atkins is performing excerpts from Shakespeare's plays and Victorian actor Ellen Terry's lectures in Ellen Terry with Eileen Atkins until 23 February at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (shakespearesglobe.com; 020 7401 9919)
