United Kingdom, Aug. 23 -- Miriam Margolyes doesn't conform to the "English stereotype".

The 85-year-old actress - who has enjoyed success on stage and screen - observed that the "English excel at obfuscation", but she doesn't follow that trend in her own life.

Miriam writes in her new book, Miriam's Full English: "I believe in telling the truth, even if it's my truth.

"In this, again, I realise I do not fit the English stereotype. The English excel at obfuscation, you see; they are masters at avoiding the truth. It's that rule of polite society again: one mustn't rock the boat, ruffle feathers or put anyone's nose out of joint. How absurd. Facts are facts."

Miriam thinks Britain needs to be honest about itself, in order to avoid repe...