What were your expectations before going into the house?
Wished for it to be like stepping into the pages of a novel. Completely terrified it would be 'Big Brother in Bonnets'.

How well do you think you were suited to the Regency era?
I'm not sure I am 'Regency' particularly, but being brought up by my fantastic Mary Poppins nanny, Elizabeth (a big Austen fan) and a mother who liked to dress me in period party frocks and give musical recitals in our drawing room I felt I was more equipped than most for what was to come!

Who did you fancy most in the house?
Tush! Such impertinence!

What was your best time?
Galloping side-saddle across the deer park, learning to load and shoot 19th century Prussian Dragoon pistols, winning the inter-sex sabre tournament and actually wielding a sword used in battle at Waterloo: i.e. all my Xena, Warrior Countess moments!

What was your worst time?
I found in-house fighting upsetting.

What annoyed you most in the house?
The day to day lack of independence for ladies in the Regency. You couldn't put the kettle on, dress yourself or even know the time (no watches) without asking a 'servant'. That said, the upside of that was breakfast toast in bed and constant pampering! The other huge annoyance was that in order to stay in 'Regency' character, most of the other girls couldn't be permitted to do all the fun stuff I could and I found that constantly frustrating.

What did you like / dislike most about dating in Regency times?
There was no such thing as 'dating' in the Regency. The very idea of being single and alone with a gentleman – unless he was actually proposing marriage – was entirely a no-no. I'd always feel incredibly naughty if I was ever having a chat alone with one of the gentleman – and guilty in case a rogue chaperone was lurking behind a curtain ready to report me to Mrs Rogers!

Do you think your experience in the house has changed you?
Definitely. How could it not? I've always dreamt of escaping into another world – now I have and realise that it's still a reality like any other. Life is a story you have to write yourself.

What did you miss from the 21st Century?
Cinema and contact lenses.

Who will you keep in touch with?
We're all in constant touch via email (much quicker than quill!) – including the maids and footmen, but I've stayed closest to Mrs Rogers – who I'm just about used to calling 'Fiona'! – and Chris and I have stayed really good mates. Hermit and I correspond by post in appropriately Regency manner.

What are you doing now?
Film critic. I'm also writing a screenplay – a slasher movie set in an English girls' boarding school.

What would you have liked to see happen to your Regency personae?
The Countess needs to marry well to fund her expensive lifestyle. So hopefully she and the handsome Host of Kentchurch would eventually get hitched as I reckon that in Regency terms they'd be excellent companions. Not before she gallops off to London with Lady D to have all sorts of naughty adventures though!

Are you still single?
Could be... Naturally, my chaperone still screens any eligible contenders on my behalf.

Do you treat the opposite sex any differently since leaving the house?
I have to say, not really. Thought it would be disappointing to see all the boys out of cravats and back in 'normal' clothes – but they're all still lovely. It's just nice to be relaxed around the opposite sex again – be able to chat to them properly and touch them on the arm without worrying it meant you were now engaged!