Helena Bonham Carter dreamed of Angel role

The actress was just ten when the American programme hit screens in 1976. The television series famously starred Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith as three beautiful and fearless crime-fighting women, and made a huge impression on the young Helena.

She used to dream of ridding the world of bad guys like her heroes, and told anyone who would listen that would be her job when she grew up.

“I dreamed of being one of Charlie’s Angels,” she laughed, when asked what she wanted to be as a youngster.

In the end, Helena realised she was probably more suited to an acting career. It was a wise choice, as she has gone on to star in a wide variety of movies such as Planet of the Apes, several of the Harry Potter films and A Room with a View. 

The 44-year-old was nominated for the best actress Oscar for 1997’s The Wings of the Dove, but admits it was a relief not to win. Helena was terrified by the thought of having to get on stage and make a speech.

“It felt like my name never came… then it was my turn, and it was so quick, and Helen Hunt won. I felt relieved I didn’t have to go up and give this big speech. I just wanted to get a drink,” she told OK! magazine.

“[When I was nominated] I suddenly became more mainstream, more attractive to Hollywood. I became a name. It certainly did [change my life financially]… you get all this intensive exposure and become very marketable - yet it only lasts about two months.”