Who needs a man? Not me

The last time we spoke was January 2007 - and a lot has happened since. How have the past 12 months been?

Kate Hudson: 'So many people have been making up stories about me, which has been difficult as I feel I'm constantly up against them. You become the lead character in their soap opera. I've finally got to a place where I know it's not real, and I'm not going to waste my time convincing these people of that.'

Let's put the story straight then

Kate Hudson: 'OK, so, things are actually really good. My relationship with Chris was always really good. And my relationship with Owen was also always really good. Anything other than that is just people making things up.'

How's single life been treating you?

Kate Hudson: 'I'm loving it. I'm not the least bit interested in dating - I'm just not in that headspace right now. My son is my man. I wake up in the morning when he comes in to say, 'Mummy, get up,- and I'm the happiest ever.'

Dating must be a whole new ball game now that you have a child

Kate Hudson: 'It is. I don't want a man who doesn't understand that he's not my priority any longer. I think that's what happened with Chris towards the end, and it's a problem a lot of single mums face. I guess that's why they end up getting together with a guy who has kids, too, as he understands. You can never love anything or anyone more than your son or daughter. No relationship will ever be the same again - your priorities are completely different now.'

Your character, Tess, in your latest film Fool's Gold is going through a divorce. Was it difficult playing her while experiencing a similar situation?

Kate Hudson: 'I don't think so. For a start, I don't like taking work home with me - there are so many more important things in my life than my work. As an actress, my goal is to make my acting effortless in the way that, say, Meryl Streep does. I look at her and it's so natural, and I look at my dad Kurt and I don't even notice his performance. You don't want anyone to catch you actually acting, you know?'