After I bought the rights to Chris Bohjalian’s novel and started adapting it for the series, whenever I flew anywhere I’d be scrutinizing the cabin crew. I’d wonder what they got up to behind the curtain when the passengers were asleep. Did their feet swell? Did they kick off their shoes? Did they have a sneaky drink? Did they eat the leftovers from business class? I was like a spy!

I didn’t, but there is an air stewardess on set who has 30 years’ experience. As Cassie [Cuoco’s character in The Flight Attendant], I haven’t had to inflate a life jacket but I do have to serve in-flight meals, which I haven’t got the hang of yet. A lot of the drinks end up on the carpet, although to be honest I had the same problem when I played Penny, the waitress in The Big Bang Theory.

I was always in awe of the uniforms, the chignons and make-up. For anyone who loves to travel, speak different languages, learn about other cultures and meet people, it’s the ideal job. On paper at least, because in reality it’s hard work. Personally, I like to wake up in my bed, make coffee with my machine, keep to my own little routine. Living out of a suitcase doesn’t appeal to me. As we’re here to talk about watches, I remember taking a flight and noticing the captain’s watch. It was a beautiful Chopard L.U.C Time Traveler One world timer. He definitely wanted people to notice it!

I’m forever checking the time. Sometimes I don’t even realise I’m doing it! Probably because I hate being late. Punctuality is a sign of respect for others. My appreciation of watches has changed as I’ve grown older, from something purely functional that gives the time to an accessory that adds something to an outfit, like an item of jewellery. I think the watch industry has been moving in this direction these past years.

First of all, it has to feel light on the wrist. I really can’t get on with those giant watches. You know the kind: the ones that are so heavy, your centre of gravity moves! When I wear a watch I like to have something on my other wrist, too. It’s a matter of balance and harmony. If I’m choosing a shape, I’m more likely to pick a round case. Squares and rectangles look better on men, in my opinion at least. Having said that, I’ve nothing against unusual, asymmetrical shapes. Or colours! Why does a dial always have to be white or black or cream when you can have fun with pink or green or purple? One thing I absolutely don’t like are watches with multiple indications. I much prefer simplicity. None of this “dial one-upmanship”. Manufacturing processes and materials are important as well. You can’t say you support sustainable practices then wear a watch that doesn’t meet environmental criteria. I like the idea of a case or a strap made partly from recycled materials. Packaging is the same. Do we really need a box in a box in a box? One is enough. This doesn’t just concern watches, either. We should be thinking about the environmental impact of all the things we consume, including air travel. It would be great, for example, if every product we buy had a carbon label

That’s right. He’s a professional jumping champion. We actually met six years ago at a riding competition. We were both competing but not at the same level. I’m nowhere near as good as he is. But we do share a passion for horses.

No, although we have invested in an electronic timer that we use for exercises and training. Precision is important in competitive riding. A single second can make the difference between first and second place. I have been known to wear one of my husband’s watches when he’s away from home. It’s a way of keeping him near. A watch is one of the few things we wear next to our skin.

I was sobbing so much I could hardly speak. To be honest, we were all in a state of shock. We were hugging and reminding each other about all the great times we’d had and I just kept on crying. I didn’t stop for a week. The Flight Attendant helped me move on.