'I Put Myself Through Drama School By Working As A Clown'

Cold Feet actress Fay Ripley, 53, shares her passions and memories. She lives in London with her husband, Daniel Lapaine, and their two children

- Vicki Power

What is your first memory of acting? My former drama teacher Susan Ford encouraging me and saying ‘well done’ made all the difference. She is the only reason I’m an actress. It wasn’t even because I was good – it was because she said I was good.

Do you have a plan B? My father was an entrepreneur, my mum had a shop, and my great-great-grandparents had a department store on Oxford Street that burned down, so my roots are in retail. I’d like a ‘lifestyle store’, like the ones in Australia that sell a bit of everything.