Brooke Shields - I'M IN MY PRIME

AS SHE PREPARES TO FAREWELL HER FIFTIES, THE FORMER CHILD STAR TELLS WHO WHY SHE'S EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE

Childhood for Brooke Shields was about as far away from normal as you can get - even by "child star standards". She was the daughter of an alcoholic mother, sexualised in films while still a young girl, and grew up under the kind of intense public gaze few others experience. Yet, Shields, 59, sounds so normal when she talks about how she's ready to take on the next - and possibly best-stage of her life. She's relishing playing characters who are smart, sexy and still have a lot to give - just like herself.

Tell us about your new movie.

Mother of the Bride is a wonderfully perfect kind of romantic comedy about a single mum, who I play, who is a slightly obsessive parent whose world is suddenly turned upside-down by the news that her daughter is getting married. But her daughter is not only getting married, she is marrying the son of the man who broke my character's heart. It really is a lot of fun and a beautifully shot location movie.

What was it about this character, Lana, that appealed to you?