 "We spent two days doing that bath scene," says Sophia, looking slightly flushed. "They used really cheap bubble bath because they wanted to make really big bubbles. My skin started to itch and I ended up having to go to a dermatologist. I had a rash all over my body and skin like an alligator by the end of the week. "It was horrible, so from now on there's going to be a 'no bath' clause in my contracts." Whatever contemporary alterations have been made to Lady P, Sophia is adamant the film represents a worthy legacy. "We're trying to add something to the institution that is Thunderbirds," she says.. "The essence of it is the same, but there is just a little modern twist. It's comedy, it's science fiction, it's adventure. It has such a magic about it and if the energy that flew around the set transfers to the screen then I think it will be a rather special film." It also looks like rocketing Sophia's career into orbit. The offers are flooding from both sides of the Atlantic, but the star insists she's not ready to uproot permanently to Hollywood. "No, I live in London," she says. "I've just bought my first flat, it's definitely not in LA." And just like her unflustered alter ego, Sophia is remaining impressively measured about her future career. "I'm off to do something completely different, next, a film called Art School Confidential. I'm playing an American art school student in New York. "I get to work with John Malkovich, Angelica Houston, and Steve Buscemi. That's what I get excited about, working with great casts, great directors. That's what inspires me." Clearly no one's pulling M'Lady's strings. * THUNDERBIRDS opens on Friday, July 23 | 
