When I was seven ...

I wanted to be an Olympic gymnast. I started going to classes when I was four and was quite serious about it. I was picked to join a big club in Edinburgh because the coach said I had a "gymnast's bottom", although I still don't know what that means. I had to give up gymnastics when I was 12 after I tore a ligament in my foot. I now do circus skills classes and yoga.

The first time my heart was broken ...

I lay on the floor and sobbed. I was 16 or 17. I had an on-and-off boyfriend at school and we had quite a tempestuous relationship – as you do as a teenager. It felt so intense and exaggerated at the time. I think I'm stronger and more realistic as a result.

The wisest thing my grandmother told me ...

My granny and I were close, I called her "nanma". She lived next door and did a lot of the childcare when my parents were working. We spent a lot of time together and she was a different voice from my parents. They were quite strict, while she was more: "Whatever you do, be careful, and remember I'm always here to talk to." I miss her so much.

The biggest adversity I have overcome ...

My own self-criticism. I think that's tied in with being ambitious, it does drive me and I always feel I should be doing better. I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing, but I have to be careful not to let that self-critique go too far.

My motto for life ...

It's a Mae West quote: "When in doubt, have a bath." I have some of my best ideas in the bath.

My soul mate is ...

My best friend Clair. We met at Edinburgh Acting School when we were nine. I knew as soon as I met her I wanted to be friends. We were inseparable from that point on. I don't think we have ever run out of things to say to each other.

Not many people know that ...

When I had to give up gymnastics, I ended up doing synchronised swimming and was in the under-14 Scottish team.

The most inspiring book I've read was ...

Papillon by Henri Charriere. I was 14 and it was my first grown-up book. I remember reading it among the grasses at the overgrown allotments near my house. It's such a brilliant book and made me want to travel to see other parts of the world.

If ever I feel lonely I ...

Put the television on. I grew up in quite a noisy house, so it's the ambient sound in the background I like. If I ever feel lonely for an extended period of time I would call or go to visit a friend.

The first people I ring when I'm upset are ...

My boyfriend, Oli, because he is practical and likes to problem solve; my best friend, Clair, if I needed to laugh; or my sister Alison, as she is better at the emotional side of things.

I believe the secret to a strong relationship is ...

I'm not sure I've nailed that yet, but I do think it's important for both people to continue to be themselves and not melt into being the same person. To remember as well that it's a choice to be together so not to take each other for granted.

Something I wish I'd done earlier ...

There actually isn't anything. I don't like to have regrets.

My all-time favourite YouTube clip ...

Dramatic Chipmunk makes me laugh every time. The Worst Mother's Day Ever is another I love.

My childhood hero was ...

My dad [Sir Andrew Cubie] – and he still is. I was never one for posters on my wall, but my dad was like a superhero to me growing up. He was always so much fun and pretty soppy – although he will probably kill me for saying that.