When, a few months ago, Joan Collins decided not to renew her contract with Dynasty, those of us addicted to the show were worried. What would happen now when there was no "nasty" character? Then we learned that Stephanie Beacham who was the scheming Sable Colby in The Colbys, had been signed up for the show and we breathed a sigh of relief. Stephanie spoke to Hello! about her involvement in Dynasty.

It's been said that Joan Collins herself suggested you for the series. Surely the producers of Dynasty know you well enough for you not to need recommending?

"Let's say that the idea of Alexis and Sable together, hating each other, was something that could have occurred to anyone... I don't know who the idea came from..."

Will you be appearing together?

"Joan's contract ends in January. But she will work between now and then - enough time for the characters to have a few good arguments. Then Alexis will go on a journey, possibly to Europe, but it hasn't been decided yet."

The Colbys finished some time ago. What have the directors done to make your character reappear?

"Yes, The Colbys has finished but the family is still there. Jason and Francesca are together somewhere and live happily ever after. But what has happened to Sable? She is alone and, as such, available. Alexis' husband has just been murdered. She is also alone. The two are in a perfect position to do nasty things and to hate everyone."

How are you two connected in the series?

"We are cousins. We don't get on. We both believe we are the centre of the universe. We love ordering people about and organising everyone's lives. Because of all this we have loads of opportunities for our continuous clashes."

But what's the real reason for your return to the series?

"The first reason is that the directors wanted me back. A long time ago, before The Colbys, I worked in two episodes of Dynasty. A little later, an American magazine published a survey on the character most missed by the viewers. It was Sable Colby, much to my surprise. I think this made the directors think a little. A few months ago, when they suggested that I return, I said: 'But there has to be a reason for my return. I don't want it to be just the confrontation of two nasty women for everyone's entertainment. As an actress I really need a motive."

And they found one?

"Yes, but for the moment it is a very big secret. I can tell you that Sable has secret information about Krystle, that's all. You will have to wait for the new series."

Is it true that you and Joan Collins don't get on?

"It isn't true. Joan and I get on very well. She is very funny and has a great sense of humour. I have too. I can't see a reason for disliking each other. There isn't one. Also, we have a great respect for each other as actresses."

Let's talk a little about the real you. You are English, you have worked in many successful series in Britain such as Connie and Tenko, in films and also in the theatre. Then you came to live in the United States. How do you feel being English in Los Angeles?

"I moved to California when I signed my contract for The Colbys but I still have my house in London. The English always cling to their roots. All my family live in England. I think they would be very unhappy if I sold my house and came to live in California permanently."

But you're happy in Los Angeles?

"Yes I am. Life here is very pleasant. The people are lovely. Here you can have everything - theatre, music, ballet. Also, if you are suddenly sick of the sun, two hours in a car and you can have snow. You can go to the beach in the morning and ski in the afternoon. Perfect! I love California but my home is always in England."

You have two daughters - Phoebe, 13 and Chloe, 11?

"My daughters live with me but study in England. I think that's the right way to educate your children."

You mean sending them to boarding school?

"Yes. Whether it is a big or a small sacrifice, an Englishman will send his children to a good school - a boarding school of course - so that they can receive the best possible education for the future."

And don't you miss them?

"Of course I do. In reality because I am alone I miss them more than they miss me. They are with lots of other girls of their age and without parents to interfere. In any case, as soon as they are on holiday, they come to see me wherever I am. I don't think it's such a bad life for two small girls. They have been to many more places than I had been at their age."

Your first marriage ended in divorce. Have you ever thought of marrying again?

"In many years time, when I am old, with a much older man who is also my friend and with whom I can have a comfortable and peaceful time in the years that are left to me."

Why leave it so late?

"I had a very painful experience with my marriage. Although I married very young it never went through my head that I might divorce. I come from a middle-class family. My parents have been happily married for 50 years. My two sisters and my brother are also married. I am the only one in the family who is divorced and it was very hard for everyone. My parents, who are marvellous, never said anything to me, nor did they ever say a word against my husband. For them he is the father of their granddaughters and that is enough. Thanks to them I came through that bad patch without being too scarred. But I learned that I need to be very careful the second time. Marriage is a serious thing."

But at the moment, after your family of course, your career is the most important thing?

"When I was very young and separated from my husband, I thought; 'What shall I do now? Shall I sort things out on my own and carry on with my work and the children or shall I find a new husband who will pay the bills?' I thought that if a new man was going to come into my life it would be for love, not for economic reasons. So I decided to carry on on my own, which wasn't easy. That is why I have to do my utmost in my career and work hard."

And you still haven't done everything you wanted to as an actress. Have you found your role?

"I have just finished filming two films, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase and Be Prepared with Shelley Long. I am very pleased with them but I still haven't done 'my' film."

And admirers?

"There are some from time to time. But it's one thing to have someone who is interested in you and a totally different thing to be truly in love. Something else is to think about marriage, That is at present much further ahead."