Wearing nothing but a big cashmere jumper and turquoise knickers, Anna Friel hugs her knees to her chest and gushes about her new favourite band, Snow Patrol, as their music plays on the iPod speakers she's brought to today's shoot. The 30-year-old actress (and mum to one-year-old Gracie) is upbeat and positively glowing.

"I've been up most of the night", she confides, to our surprise. "Gracie's still not sleeping through". There's no denying she looks great, but she laughs at tabloid reports that a "weight-loss wet suit" helped her regain her pre-baby figure. "I was just disciplined. I knew I had to get back into shape in six weeks for Goal! 2, but I cheated in the end - I wore a corset under my clothes".

Although she's been working flat out ("Gracie's been to nine different countries in 13 months"), Friel shares baby duties with her partner, actor David Thewlis. "I've got a weak stomach, so he does more of the pooey nappies", she admits. "Well I did give birth! Anyway, he's the one in the Harry Potter films, so in a few years he'll be Gracie's ultimate hero". Their daughter is already starting to grasp what her parents do. "She even recognises the music from my Pantene ads and kisses the telly!"

- Sarah Morgan