Is it a conscious move to take on grittier characters, ? You made your name in The Princess Diaries. Although in many ways she was trapped by her illness, she was also incredibly free and playing her allowed me to get in touch with that aspect of myself. It sounds odd, but she was a good friend to me. I didn't shake Kym for a really long time. Do you find that troubled characters such as Maggie and Kym stay with you? You were nominated for an Oscar for your performance as Kym, a recovering drug addict in Rachel Getting Married. But whether it needed to be a priority? I'm not qualified to say, I don't know enough about the economics of running the country. From a social standpoint it was absolutely important. So do you think President Obama was right to prioritise healthcare reform? These people are sick and shouldn't have to go to such great lengths to attempt to be healthy. Without beating people over the head we show that a group of senior citizens and one sick young woman need to go to Canada in order to get their prescription meds. One of the things I like about the film is that it's not preachy. Is this an issue you feel strongly about? The film also touches on the healthcare system in America and how a lot of people can't afford the drugs they need.

I was afraid that I couldn't pull off playing Maggie. I'm pretty shy and not entirely comfortable with the kind of attention you get when you focus on your sexual side. I'm much happier talking with people than I am flirting with them.

How eloquent of me! It was the sexuality of the character. You've said you always choose scripts with at least one element that 'scares the bejesus out of you'.

Love game maggie wells