Live webchat with Celia Imrie - Tues 24 March 1-2pm

I also love your talent as an actress, Celia. But I'm not so sure about your literary skills. Perhaps we are all fed up with stories about ex-pats mucking about in foreign climes but I persevered in the hope that there would be some surprises. Unfortunately the jokes fell flat and the characters were a bit like puppets being manipulated by their creator. All the children and grandchildren were pretty vile whilst Theresa turned out to be a bit too soppy for my taste. Please stick to acting, Celia. But don't take one person's critical comments to heart. You might well come up with an absolutely stunning novel next time and then I'll have to eat my words!

Hi Celia
It is a great "holiday read". Light and easy to read, maybe not a masterpiece but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have never been disappointed in any part you have played - a sign of a very talented actress. I would love to see you in a 'serious' part.

I too found the grandchildren and Imogen a bit OTT but I could identify with a "lighter" version. I can only only go on holiday when my daughter does and she decides when that is!

That aside, I enjoyed the book and it would be an excellent holiday read.

May I ask Celia what her next project is?

Hi Celia not a book I would have chosen and at first I struggled to identify with the characters. However the farce and froth was and easy read while the description of the scents ,sounds and architecture enabled visualising the streets and buildings easy and left me wishing I was there. However the part that has stuck with me throughout is the capacity for change that older women have as well as the often tough decision to allow grown up childre to be just that ...grown up. All of this wrapped up in a light frothy read ..but Im still thinking about it.
Wondered if you have any other books in the pipeline dealing with other issues faced by older people?

Hi Celia. Your descriptions of the sights and sounds of Bellevue-sur-Mer are very evocative. They really brought the place alive and it sounded idyllic - until we met the residents. With a couple of exceptions (notably Theresa and Sally) we had rude traders, ex pats handy with their fists, prone to bed-hopping, intent on swindling or insulting their neighbours or relatives and/or bitching about their friends. And Theresa, Sally and Faith were completely wet where their selfish offspring were concerned. I felt more empathy with the package holiday oiks and sunburnt backpackers they all looked down their noses at. Could I ask whether this was your intention, Celia? Would you have fitted into this community, or would you have crossed the road to avoid most of them as well?

Hello again Celia. Just wondered if I could possibly ask a second question please? I have now almost finished the book and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a really easy read.

I would like to ask; If "Not quite Nice" was to made into a film and you were asked to "play" one of the characters, who would you be? and why? Thanks again

I am enjoying the book but haven't quite finished. Will it be a film? I would certainly go and see it. I have just enjoyed Exotic Marigold 2 and loved your character. She was totally unlike anything I have seen you play before. Did you relish it or feel slightly out of your comfort zone? (I went with a friend who we think is just like you! We all love her.)

Hello Celia I did enjoy your book - just as I have enjoyed your work as an actress for a very long time. I would love to know what it was like to work with Julie Walters?

I would love to know if you prefer theatre, TV or films. And what your favourite role has been to date. Sorry that's two questions!

I am another who enjoyed your novel - perfect holiday read. Celia I have read newspaper pieces about you having your son very much on your own terms, even though this wasn't to the liking of everyone. I imagine there were times that was very hard? But very much worth it in the end?

I'm really struggling with this book, which is a pity as I love you as an actress, Celia, and had hoped your novel would be as funny and witty as you seem to be.

I didn't find the characters believable, and how anyone could let their daughter and grandchildren talk to them in such a manner is beyond me! Most of the situations seemed contrived and far-fetched and I really don't care what happens to any of the random collection of people. Will try to finish it before tomorrow but I'm afraid I don't think my opinion will change.

Ana you took the words out of my mouth. I too was disappointed in the book for the same reasons.

I was looking forward to it so much, love Celia's acting, love the south of France and enjoyed the double meaning of the title. But the book just didn't come to life for me.

I found the book a light and entertaining read which was just what I needed after a hard couple of weeks. I would like to ask Celia what made her decide to write a novel? Was it a long-held ambition? And did she find it hard?

Hello Celia idid you always want to be an actress?

I really enjoyed your Who Do You Think You Are and wondered how the experience was for you?

I know that you have written openly about your struggle with anorexia as a teen and wondered if you could offer some words of encouragement to someone in a similar position

I'm sure I read a thread on here once about how you told people to lighten up about wolf whistles. I agree actually. Did you get lots of flak? I have just ordered your book