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Can you tell us a bit more about Mrs Thackeray?

Mrs Thackeray is a wonderful character. She almost thinks that she's a bit better than the rest of them. I like that element – it makes her very different. I don't want people to think that they are going to get a replica of Mrs Bridges.

Your character Mrs Thackeray is in charge of the kitchen. What was it like stepping on to the set for the first time?

It's a lovely set. The attention to detail has been huge. I paid particular attention to the kitchen set because it was my domain. The production team have produced the most wonderful array of fabulous cakes and biscuits – it has been incredible. It's also been a bit of an education for me too. I have an oven – a new one – and I've still never used it. I'm no cook or baker!

What is it about Upstairs Downstairs that you think people like so much?

The concept of Upstairs Downstairs is such a wonderful idea. The original characters were just so loveable and I hope that the audience will find our characters as interesting and that they will want to follow their stories. It's got all the ingredients to be a success!

How was stepping back into the 1930s for you?

It's a lovely period. I actually took a picture of my mother in 1935 to the wardrobe and make-up team and asked if they could copy her style, and they have done it extremely well. I particularly liked Mrs Thackeray's outdoor clothes – especially because she is always in a uniform. She's always wearing a hat and it's like a shower cap. I certainly don't think Mrs Thackeray would want to wear it all the time. But I do love her pink working outfit. I think Amy – the costume designer – has done a wonderful job.

Were you familiar with the Classic series?

Yes I was. I watched one of the repeats recently and do so with special interest now because of the revival of it. It's fascinating to see the comparisons between then and now. You don't ever realise how limited they were back then. You never see them go to the other side of the room because it was a three-sided set then. They had two weeks' rehearsal – a very different routine from now.

From a technical point of view it's very interesting to watch. The first time I did watch the old series I was completely enthralled by it – like everybody else in the world.

Have you worked with any of the cast before?

I haven't. But it has been an absolute joy and delight. It's such a wonderful cast. It's very, very strong. I didn't have much to do with some of the cast members because of the nature of the scripts. But I must say that Adrian Scarborough is just wonderful – I've never worked with him before but just think he is heaven.

There is a lot of humour in this one. I hope people will keep an open mind – and not immediately say that it isn't the same. Because it isn't the same – it's moved on. I've had a lovely time doing it. Making a television programme is a bit like making a cake – you put ingredients in – a writer, director, actors, music etc – you stick it all in the oven and see what comes out!