Romola Garai

The four episodes of Emma on the BBC were a delight, particularly for a fabulous performance from Romola Garai in the title roll. She has a magnetism I cannot recall from any actress for a long time. Her first major film role in I Capture the Castle in 2003 impressed the critics, and she has gone from strength to strength.

I was lucky enough to see Romola in two RSC productions in 2007, playing Cordelia opposite Ian McKellen's King Lear, and as Nina in The Seagull. Then came Atonement where I thought she gave the best performance.

I had hoped that Emma would go on for ever, but I will have to make do with her starring in the forthcoming film Glorious 39, written and directed by one of my favourites, Stephen Poliakoff. Roll on November. I have just seen the trailer on You Tube.