Anna Friel feared she’d not be able to find work once she turned 40.
The ‘Marcella’ star was at first worried she’d be "thrown on the scrapheap" when she reached the milestone age last year, but now 41, she realises that people want to watch shows and movies that are "relatable" rather than "unachievable".
She told RadioTimes magazine: "I did wonder about turning 40 and being thrown on the scrapheap.
"But apart from the shell changing, everything else changes in a much more positive way.
"Wisdom, compassion, empathy, values, being parents – we’re learning that people want to watch people they can relate to, not just the unachievable.
"We’ve got enough of that with the superhero movies."
This comes shortly after Anna revealed she has been left battling "exhaustion and anxiety" after filming the drama series.
The actress – who has 12-year-old daughter Gracie with ex-partner David Thewlis – explained that her role in the ITV show, in which she plays a tortured detective, has left her feeling emotionally and physically drained, meaning she’s now keen to take on a less intense role.
She said: "I wish I could say that it doesn’t leave its mark, but it does.
"I’m know I’m so lucky to play this role and I’m definitely not complaining.
It’s a tough one because you have to let your mind and body go to where Marcella is.
"The anxiety and exhaustion you feel at the end of the day is real.
"If a wonderful romcom, a musical or something uplifting would be offered to me, I would happily accept."
Anna Friel feared being ‘thrown on the scrapheap’ at 40
