Pauline McLynn is best known for her role as Mrs Doyle in Father Ted. But there are many strings to the Irish actress's bow.

She is a regular on Bremner, Bird & Fortune and has starred in film roles including Far and Away, When Brendan Met Trudy, An Everlasting Piece, Angela's Ashes and Heidi and Gypo.

She has written five novels and has contributed short stories to many charity collections including Moments (in aid of Tsunami victims) Magic (in aid of One Parent Families) and Girl's Night In (for Warchild).

She is a massive Villa fan and picks out Ray Houghton as her all-time favourite claret and blue star.

She admitted her addiction to Villa coincided with Irish stars like Houghton, Paul McGrath and Steve Staunton doing well for the club.

She said her finest moment was watching the League Cup final victory over Leeds in 1996 with Ardal O'Hanlon - who was supporting the opposition that day!