My secret life: Jaime Winstone

Actress, 24

(Suki Dhanda)

The home I grew up in ... was a flat on an estate in Enfield, north London, with a huge yard. There was a real sense of community, lots of kids and barbecues. My sister and I used to put on plays with the other kids for all our parents. Fond memories ...

When I was a child I wanted to be ... a fairy. I still do really, except that now I've now graduated to wanting to be a pixie.

My greatest inspiration ... is my mum, who had a baby at the age of 42 and is still so fit, independent and beautiful.

The moment that changed me for ever ... was the first time I watched back the film Kidulthood. It involves a lot of drugs, sex and fighting; I knew then that I had lost part of my innocence.

I drive/ride ... a Mini Cooper and a Fiat 500. My Mini is called Elvis, of course.

If I could change one thing about myself ... I would make my fingers a bit longer. That would be nice.

At night I dream of ... the dark side, and bubbles.

What I see when I look in the mirror ... is confusing. Although I've watched myself making the transition from being a girl to being a woman, I still feel 15 years old. My reflection disagrees.

My style icon ... is either Bowie, Hendrix or Madonna; my true love will always be Elvis.

The shop I can't walk past ... is In-N-Out Burger in LA. It's dangerously addictive.

A book that changed me ... is The Art of War by Sun Tzu. It's a seminal military treatise which was written in the 6th century BC.

The last album I bought ... was by The Horrors – I love their sound. Oh, and The Big Pink, which is my favourite band.

The person who really makes me laugh ... is my boyfriend. He's a joker. He once sang the Ghostbusters theme tune in Japanese, on stage at the Big Chill. The crowd loved it and took it really seriously: it was a joke, guys!

It's not fashionable but I like ... shell suits. It's a hardcore guilty pleasure.

I wish I'd never worn ... a pink all-in-one, Nineties-tastic suit. I met Leonardo DiCaprio the night I wore it and thought I was really cool. Oh, the shame!

My favourite work of art ... is a painting at Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds of a white figure wearing a pearl white veil. It appears like a skull's face at the top of the figure; it's haunting but very beautiful.

My favourite item of clothing ... is a pair of Nike football boots, custom-made into stilettos – amazing!

You wouldn't know it but I'm very good at ... creative writing. I tend to write more when I travel.

You may not know it but I'm no good at ... cooking. I panic in the kitchen: does anyone know a cooking therapist?

All my money goes on ... tax. But on a brighter note, when I finish a job it's nice to treat myself to something special, like shoes.

If I have time to myself ... I usually travel or read, and I'm known for being a movie geek.

My most valuable possession is ... my four-leaf-clover necklace, from my mum's hometown, Dublin, made especially for me.

My house is ... I visit my family home in the countryside most weekends. It's a great way to escape the madness of London. My parents throw great summer parties. Oh, and we have pigs – I love my pigs!

My favourite building ... is Bar 25 in Berlin. It's a massive party on the banks of the river.

Movie heaven ... is Total Recall, Pretty in Pink, La Haine. And the box set of The Wire.

The best invention ever ... is music, the beat of life.

In 10 years' time, I hope to be ... very happy.

My life in six words ... it's only the beginning, my friend!

A life in brief

The actress Jaime Winstone, daughter of Ray, was born in north London in May 1985. She made her debut in Noel Clarke's gritty drama Kidulthood. She is engaged to Lily Allen's brother Alfie, and stars in Boogie Woogie, which premieres at the Edinburgh Film Festival on Friday