I have always found it difficult to wait for things - whether it was to see my father or sailor brother, Alan, again after their long sea trips, or the chance of a better job, or even new curtains.

In her historical dramas Anna Neagle was renowned for her portrayals of real-life British heroines including Nell Gwynn (Nell Gwynn 1934) Queen Victoria (Victoria the Great 1937 and Sixty Glorious Years 1938) and Edith Cavell (Nurse Edith Cavell 1939). Dame Anna Neagle DBE (20 October 1904 – 3 June 1986) born Florence Marjorie Robertson was a popular English stage and film actress and singer. She won several awards as Britain's favourite actress and biggest female box-office draw.