Hayley Atwell doesn't have a fear of failure

Speaking to the Guardian newspaper, Hayley explained: "I can express a preference for things. I'm in a more creatively fertile place that's less fear-based, and where failure is totally allowed.

"I'm not asking for permission from others to try new things, as I can give myself permission and I'll own it if it doesn't work.

"I can say no, I won't do that. It's not for me."

Hayley studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London before finding fame and success in the entertainment industry. And Hayley has conceded that a lot of things about her career are simply beyond her control.

The London-born star shared: "I never doubted myself although I did doubt the business.

"I'd see people around me who were incredibly talented [not working] and realise it's often just down to luck who's getting these roles. And that was liberating, because you think: 'Well, I can only do my best, and there are all these other things I can't control.'"

Hayley is currently performing in a West End production of 'Much Ado About Nothing', and the actress revealed that she still loves theatre work.

Hayley - who is starring in the production alongside Tom Hiddleston - said: "I love that you come in every day and you've got your script under your arm and a coffee, and you're in the West End where there is this immediate feeling of a theatre community.

"Theatre does for me what church can do for many people. I still really feel that."