If I hit a bum note playing Florence nobody knows

Wendi Peters explains to MARION McMULLEN why she's ready for a pitch battle

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I've just walked the dog on the common and somebody stopped me, I had a great big coat, scarf and hat on. I’m lucky in a way that it still happens 20 years on.

She was such a big character that people do remember her. I'd worked for 10 years before her, so chances are I would have still been a jobbing actress, but I'm very grateful for the TV and the tours and the shows. Possibly the only thing she’s stopped me doing is more TV. I've done my fair share since, but because she was such a bold character people are still quite shortsighted as to who Wendi Peters is because I don’t sound anything like her. (Laughs) I’m very different, hopefully.

A little bit. I got sent quite a few scripts but you could have just replaced the name with Cilla, it was not what I wanted to do. I'm hopeful as I near 60 there will be more character stuff for me on TV.

You’re about to tour again with the Olivier-nominated comedy Glorious! What do you like about playing US socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, dubbed ‘the worst singer in the world’?