Anna Friel has admitted that she feels pressure to conform to the Hollywood stereotype, in a bid to land more roles.

The former Pushing Daisies star told MSN: “When I first arrived in Los Angeles, it took some time before I realised that you do have to conform to a type – you do have to stay slim, and you can’t make excuses.”

She added: “Looking good is a serious business and you have to make a decision to go along with it or else you’re just not going to get the work. In the beginning, I had such an awful time that I just wanted to run back home. But, looking back today, I’m glad I stuck it out.

“I never aspired to be just the pretty girl because, if that’s all you’re known for, then you’re going to have a pretty short career. Mature actresses like Susan Sarandon or Judi Dench are far more interesting to me.”