Is playing Sally a break from being TV’s golden-girl presenter?
I think we intertwine for the period when I’m on stage, although the only thing we really share is a strict approach to food. Afterwards, I become me again. And then, when I get home, I become Mummy, to my three-year-old daughter Libby-Jack, the best role of all.

Is it true that you’re obscenely healthy?
I am, but I’m always made to sound like a mad freak when my approach to food is printed. To set the record straight: I’ve been vegetarian since I was 12; I don’t eat wheat as I’m intolerant to it; or shellfish because I’m kosher; I don’t mix protein with carbs; and I don’t eat much dairy out of choice. Not too wacky, is it?

Have you always been virtue incarnate?
Nine years ago, my dad had bowel cancer, which was a wake-up call for me as it made me realise that I would have to take my own health seriously. My regime has taken years of consideration and visiting specialists; it’s not a faddy thing. I’m trying to ensure that my body is in optimum health.

So your body’s a temple?
No. I eat to live, I don’t live to eat. It is my choice to do this; I never tell anyone else what to do — even my daughter eats meat. Generally, I keep my mouth shut when people tuck into their chunks of dead cow.

Any vices?
Chips. And I enjoy drinking champagne and a good red wine, too.

You used to smoke heavily; do you still get cravings?
No. If I wanted a cigarette, I’d have one.

When did you kick the habit?
After smoking 60 in one day, I screwed up the packet and vowed not to smoke again. That was nearly 13 years ago. I’m quite disciplined, so it wasn’t too hard.

What about the wacky baccy?
I smoked it at university — didn’t everyone?

You’ve also advocated its use forpain relief . . .
When I was on The Big Breakfast we interviewed an MS sufferer, who smoked pot to relieve symptoms. I thought at the time — and I still do — that cannabis should be readily available to people with MS.

Do you pop any pills?
I take a liquid vitamin and mineral supplement every morning, as recommended by my nutritionist at The Third Space in London.

Do alternative remedies play a part?
Totally. I take echinacea drops if I feel like I’m coming down with something. I’m a fan of manuka honey, said to have antibacterial qualities, and elderberry liquid, which is brilliant if you have a cold. I give my daughter remedies from Fresh & Wild, the organic supermarket chain, to combat colds and bugs. But I also believe traditional medicine is important.

How do you keep fit?
Yoga, five times a week, and I like boxing too. At the moment I’m doing nothing as I’m still recovering from an operation on my frozen shoulder. I still don’t know what started the condition.

And to unwind?
If I’ve been working all day, the most relaxing thing is going home to see Libby-Jack. We sit on the sofa and cuddle.

Would you ever succumb to the therapist’s couch?
You have to do what feels best for you. I’m the first person to have a sign on my dressing room door saying: “Doctor In”, so people can come and talk — and for some reason people have always opened up to me. I’d love to do an Open University course in therapy to make the most of that.

You hit 40 this year. Does that bother you?
No, I’m cool about being 40. There’s all this stuff in the media at the moment about 40 being middle-young, not middle-aged, which sounds great. I don’t feel any older than I did ten years ago, I just feel as if I’ve learnt a lot more. And I’ve still got lots to learn.

Considered plastic surgery?
No, I get “keloid scarring”, so it’d look ugly. That means my scars grow big and bumpy rather than being smooth. What’s the point? Everyone knows how old I am. We all think about it but when it came to the crunch, I wouldn’t do it. But Sharon Osbourne looks great, doesn’t she?

Ever exercise the soul?
I’m a traditionalist: I go to the synagogue for the festivals only. I love keeping the traditions of my faith alive but I’m not rigorous about it.

Tricks to being healthy, wealthy and wise?
If you want to be wealthy, don’t become an actor. For health, look at yourself from the inside out. Wisdom? Believe in yourself. And try to understand that everything does happen for a reason.

Greatest ambition?
I still want to win that Oscar. Please note, I’m saying that in a tongue-in-cheek way.

When Harry Met Sally is touring the UK until July 30; call 08701 283565 for tickets and further details.

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