Sue Johnston: 'My dad equated acting with prostitution'

I think I was a terrible disappointment to my mother She was an upright citizen of the parish, her house was immaculate and she'd never be seen without make-up and her pearls, almost until the day she died. She always told me that she had pride in her appearance, as if to say I hadn't.

My dad equated acting with prostitution I think it was because our family didn't know anyone in the business. I had the opportunity to go to university after school, which he'd never had, and I think he was initially disappointed that I didn't take it.

My mother didn't like the fact I was known on TV When I was on Brookside she would say I was trying to draw attention to myself – showing off – and I don't think she ever got it.

I've learnt to not worry about things until they happen My mother worried about everything. She worried about worrying and it became an all-consuming nightmare for her and I thought what a waste of life it was.

'The Royle Family' was successful because it was believable Our audience shared in the characters' foibles as we believed they were real, and I think that's what good acting is: to not actually act, to be real and truthful; people can see through "acting".

I always seem to drop something on myself at the point someone shouts 'action' A few days ago I spilt coffee all down the front of my costume while filming a series for Sky called Gates. It was so embarrassing; everyone had to stop as I had to get my dress cleaned up.

Liberalism has gone crazy Teachers can't discipline and the police don't know what to do [about youth crime]. For three generations, poverty has been allowed to grow, gang culture has sprung up, no-go areas have flourished and we're awash with dependents who don't know what it's like to work.

I want 'you'll Never Walk Alone' played at my funeral Liverpool [FC] is one of the true passions in my life. My father took me to watch games when I was a child, and I've done the same with my son since he was eight. I feel at home at Anfield; sitting with like-minded people gives you a great feeling of unity.

Sue Johnston, 67, is an actress. Her memoir, 'Things I Couldn't Tell My Mother', is published by Ebury, priced £18.99