UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: Actress Emilia Fox answers our health quiz 

Can you run up the stairs?

I can now. After having my daughter Rose (now eight) I spent five years excusing myself from any kind of exercise. Then, in 2016, I thought if I’m physically strong, it will help me deal with being a mum and learning lots of lines. I found Niix — a mixture of Pilates and high-intensity training — and do it several times a week.

Ever dieted?

Happily never, because of my parents’ [actors Joanna David and Edward Fox] attitude to food. They taught me that if I eat well I’ll feel good. I am 5ft 6in and 8st 5lb (53kg).

Any vices?

I drink too much coffee, five cups or more a day. I’ve tried to give it up but get terrible headaches, anxiety and spots. I aim to stick to one a day.

Any family ailments?

When I was 19 my mum had an operation for an Arnold Chiari malformation, where the lower part of the brain pushes into the spinal canal. My dad is 82 and still has amazing energy — gardening and building dry stone walls.

Worst illness?

The only potentially serious illness I’ve had is sarcoidosis [where cells in the lung clump together] when I was 18. It was picked up by an X-ray, part of a check-up before travelling in my gap year. I changed my travel plans, so I went to English-speaking Australia, rather than anywhere too remote, as a precaution, but it cleared up by itself.

Had anything removed?

A mole on my shoulder. It was benign, but I was pregnant and the extra growth hormones meant the scar healed as a raised [keloid] one.

Ever have plastic surgery?

Absolutely, but when I’m 100.

On sex: ‘If it’s with the right person it’s very important, but if you haven’t found the right person then you can also get the same endorphins from exercise.’

Cope well with pain?

Yes. I don’t like admitting I feel pain or giving up, no matter how hard it is.

Is sex important?

If it’s with the right person it’s very important, but if you haven’t found the right person then you can also get the same endorphins from exercise.

Tried alternative remedies?

When I do plays I get so nervous that my mum prepares theatre survival packs for me. They might contain chocolate, lemons, honey, ginger shots and Rescue Remedy drops.

Ever been depressed?

Working and trying to be a good mum can be overwhelming. I am an advocate of therapy. I have found it helpful to get perspective on things.

What keeps you awake?

Remembering lines for post-mortem days in Silent Witness — trying to remember the medical terms is like going back to school.

Any phobias?

I hate the feel of flower pots — I can’t touch them. And tummy buttons, I just don’t like them at all!

Like to live for ever?

At this age, yes. But if I reach 90, I don’t think so. 

Visit: niix.fit/how-it-works.