'I'm nothing like Karen, but I'd like to be her because I think she's an impressive person.
The character shot Norris to fame in 1998, just as she was on the brink of quitting the profession, and despite misgivings, she reprised the role last year in the triumphant return of the ITV series after a 13-year break.
'Oddly, people always expect you to be like the roles you portray, and in my case that's often been quite tough, ballsy characters – and Karen's pretty tough.
'In fact, I'm not at all like that.
'I'm introvert, quite shy and reserved.'
Love Of My Life is out in cinemas now and available on digital download.
