Anna Friel "sacrificed" a career in Hollywood to be the best mum she could be

She said: "I just love being a mum. My agents would love me to go back there [to America] but you choose a career in America or you take your child away from their father.

"I had to sacrifice that. It gets harder because I can't just accept jobs that are in England."

Anna revealed that David, who starred as Remus Lupin in the 'Harry Potter' movies, lives close to her and Gracie - but pays only for school fees and a nanny and she is happy with the arrangement.

She told Red magazine: "I pay the rest. I've always been independent and financially supported myself since I was 16. It's meant that I can be in relationships, or not be in them, because of love rather than need."

In fact, the 40-year-old beauty has come to see dating as something you "just get on with", explaining how ageing has led her to become a "bit more grounded and a little wiser".

She shared: "It's not at all romantic, it's more; 'Let's see how this goes.' "

Meanwhile, the former 'Brookside' star also insisted she wasn't willing to maintain the same self-discipline that has seemingly enabled other actresses to retain their youthful appearance.

The 'Land of the Lost' star - who has also previously dated Welsh actor Rhys Ifans - said: "I think it's important for real women to know that there are personal trainers involved and [looking like that] probably means no carbs, or just a few in the morning, and going to bed at eight or nine.

"It's a massive discipline and you have to ask yourself; 'Is that the life I want?' I want a happy medium."