Haven My SHARON MAUGHAN

The actress and star of the Gold Blend adverts, 68, in the library of her home in Chelsea

1 MOVIE MAGIC

Our library has this projector so it doubles as a room for watching films. Although the bustling King’s Road is just a stone’s throw away, it’s so peaceful here. When we bought this house seven years ago we threw an 18th birthday party for our son George – he’s a musician; we have two other grown-up children, Alice, an actress, and Jack, a film director – so we had lovely memories from the outset.

2 GOLDEN GIRL

It’s never bothered me that people remember me for the Gold Blend coffee adverts I did with Anthony Head in the 80s – here’s a poster of one of the print ads. Frankly, I’m grateful I’m still recognised! I was trying to prove I was a serious actress back then, so I did worry I’d be derided. It’s harder to get good parts as you get older. Women of my age are expected to play grannies – but that’s not going to happen yet!

3 SEW GOOD

I learned how to make clothes at school, and my mum Norah bought me a second-hand sewing machine when I was 11. I saved up to buy my first electric machine when I was 16. I used to make all my own clothes; it was the only way I could afford to keep up with fashion – and with Twiggy, who was one of my closest friends – when I was at RADA. I’ve always kept a sewing machine for repairs. It’s a part of who I am.

4 KEEPING FAITH

A good friend gave me this weeping Buddha, which is supposed to take all your worries away. I was brought up a Roman Catholic – taught by nuns – and I still go to Mass from time to time. I pray with these rosary beads and my daughter Alice was married in a Catholic church. But I also believe in astrology and embrace many Buddhist ideas too about living in the moment. I think faith is a gift, whatever you believe in.

5 HOW ENGAGING

It was love at first sight for my husband Trevor Eve and I. We met in 1977 in a play called Filumena, directed by Franco Zeffirelli. Within a week Trevor had bought me a 99p engagement ring from Woolworths, which I wore until we could afford a replacement. Then 12 years ago he got me this beautiful ring, made by our friend Theo Fennell.

6 MY ROOTS

I was thrilled to be included in the book Liverpool’s Own, about famous people from the city, which also features Sir Paul McCartney and Glenda Jackson. I grew up in a big Irish workingclass family in a council house. My mother was a cleaner and used to scrub floors, but I never doubted my destiny – that I’d go to RADA and be an actress. I’m extremely proud of my Liverpudlian roots. The people there are very canny and have the biggest, kindest hearts in the world.