The War Horse actress has often described her career as an "accident", after being chosen by Lars von Trier to star in his controversial drama Breaking The Waves, which won her an Oscar nomination in 1996.

"In my fantasy life, I'm at home writing. Maybe writing a book, I don't know really," she revealed.

Emily, who has two children with husband Jack Waters, admitted she still harbours dreams of being a writer, but added: "I would still like to, but I don't have time. I have too many hats already, I don't need another one at the moment."

Having worked with Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton and Julian Fellowes, there are more filmmakers she'd like to collaborate with.

"I would like to work with Martin Scorsese, David Fincher. I am always curious, it's different each time you do it. It's an amazing job," she said.

But Emily - who famously turned down leading roles in Elizabeth and Amelie - joked she picked her roles according to their schedules.

"Elizabeth was a clash with Hilary And Jackie, and that to me was a more interesting role. It was not the bigger film or bigger deal, but the chance to play Jacqueline du Pre was unmissable," she said.

"With Amelie, I don't speak French. Not long ago, I saw Juliette Binoche do Wuthering Heights and making a t** of herself with her English. Now I've got a three-year-old and a six-year-old so I'm looking for term dates!"