Anneke Wills has had an extraordinary life. Born in 1941 and raised by her eccentric mother, the presence of a violent and oppressive step-father cast a shadow over her otherwise fairytale childhood. Anneke became a child actress, appearing in her first film at 11, and became one of the busiest British actresses of the 1960s. In ‘Self Portrait’, she tells of her amazing life, from living with one of Britain’s foremost musical families while at drama school, to embracing the swinging sixties. Anneke counted among her close friends the leading lights of the time – including Peter Cook, Sammy Davis Jnr., Michael Caine and Mary Quant.

Anneke studied at RADA alongside Edward Fox and Sarah Miles. She had a relationship with legendary star Anthony Newley which ended in heartbreak and scars that would last a lifetime. Being at the heart of The Chelsea Set, she spent her time at trendy jazz clubs, the legendary Troubadour Café and the satirical nightclub, The Establishment.

Anneke’s fascinating career had a backdrop of a unique personal life. Her marriage to distinguished actor Michael Gough became turbulent as his jealousy, temper and infidelity grew. In 1966 Anneke set the standard for sexy Doctor Who girls, having already appeared in many classic TV productions, including working with Roger Moore in The Saint, and roles in The Likely Lads and The Avengers. After a lead role in the classic series Strange Report, and having suffered a terrible personal tragedy, Anneke moved to Norfolk to focus on her marriage and children. There, this story leaves her, the second half of her unique life will be covered in her second book, due for release at the end of 2008.

‘Self Portrait’ is an extraordinary voyage, from post-war childhood to the most important decade of recent times.

This is an abridged reading of Anneke Wills' fascinating autobiography