Rula Lenska

As famous for her titian locks and outspoken personality as her acting, Rula Lenska, 63, is well known for her appearance in Celebrity Big Brother and more recently as Audrey’s rival hairdresser Claudia Colby in Coronation Street.

My most vivid memory from childhood is…
The smell of my mother’s perfume. Although I can’t remember what it is, I remember catching the scent when she tucked me up in bed.

When I was a child, what I really wanted to be was…
An actress – I’ve never really wanted to do anything else!

My teen idol was…
Adamo, a Belgian pop singer, and the French film star Alain Delon.

My closest friends would describe me as…
Loyal, fun loving and reckless.

The proudest moment of my life was…
The moment I gave birth to my daughter, Lara Parker.

I was starstruck when…
I am very lucky that in my career to date I’ve had the real pleasure of working with some of the most talented people in the business, and so I have quite often felt starstruck. But I think that meeting the star Sydney Poitier was one of my most starstruck moments as he was such an amazing actor.

If I could change anything about myself I would…
Have a skin type that tans well and a flat tummy! Seriously though, I have always wished I had a really beautiful singing voice.

If I could pass any law it would have to be…
I’d pass three: equality for all, free transport in and out of London and wonderful free care for the elderly.

If I became invisible for one day I would probably…
Visit each of my friends’ and relatives’ houses and leave a little something for them that I know they would love to have.

My favourite holiday destination is…
India, Africa or Nepal – anywhere where I can be in the middle of the jungle among the wild animals.

My greatest fear is…
That the elephant – the world’s largest land mammal – will one day be extinct. I’m very passionate about conservation. There are so many animals we should do more to help protect, animals like the tiger – they’re just so glorious.