I’m common as muck. My perfect night in includes PJs, cheesy puffs and wine

EastEnders star Emma, 42 – who divorced her lawyer ex-husband in 2005, and once dated TV’s Stephen Mulhern – on her ‘girl crushes’ on Strictly’s Tess and Claudia, how she loves to chill in her jim-jams and the toilet selfie she ended up regretting...

Where’s the TV in your house?

I just a have a TV in the corner of my living room. I’m so standard.

Do you watch EastEnders?

Of course – I think it’s important. My parents are massive Emmerdale fans. When I’ve taken them to soap awards Dad always asks for selfies with their cast more than my cast.

What TV do you binge on?

Big Little Lies, I loved that. I am so behind, I only just watched the first series. Strong women. Loved it.

Who’s in charge of the remote control?

I live by myself, so me.

Describe your perfect night in…

Watching a Carry On film in my pyjamas, eating some cheesy puffs with a bottle of Pinot Grigio. I’m common as muck.

Following your 2014 Celebrity MasterChef stint, have you got a killer dish to impress dates?

I wouldn’t want to cook on a date, I’d want to be taken out. I did that show because I thought I could cook. But it was so difficult, scarier than Strictly because you don’t want to upset anyone’s tummies. Afterwards, I said I would never complain at restaurants or send food back again. But I do cook the best roast potatoes.

Any other mantras you live by?

Save and invest. Always have a little pot for rainy days. There was a time when I didn’t work for a few years. That’s acting. So don’t get excited and buy lots of shoes.

I’m positive, kind and generous.

What’s the biggest perk of fame?

Meeting people. I was starstruck meeting Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, I had a big girl crush on them. And when I met Barbara Windsor I nearly wet myself. Now, she’s a pal.

Weirdest place you’ve been asked for a selfie?

In the toilets. I agreed, but afterwards I thought, ‘Why did I do that?’ l EastEnders is on BBC1

‘When I met Barbara Windsor I nearly wet myself. Now, she’s a pal’ Emma Barton