February 16, 2001 15:46: DO you believe in Ghosts? Francesca Annis does as she prepares for a new role in Ibsen's Ghosts.

The play is about love, betrayal and hypocrisy as spirits of the past come back to haunt the living.

Francesca takes on the role of Mrs Alving who is opening an orphanage as a memorial to her late husband.

She says: "It's about a woman who's going through a big change in her life. She's beautiful and a free thinker but she has been through so much and will have to make sacrifices as she goes along."

This play is a new version by Richard Harris, of Outside Edge and Stepping Out fame, and co-star Anthony Andrews who plays Pastor Manders.

Francesca, the quintessential all-round actress, was last seen on the small screen in Deceit, Wives and Daughters, and Reckless with Robson Green.

Her film credits have included such diverse treats as Krull, Dune and last year's Onegin.

"I like all the mediums I work in," she explains. "TV is quite hard and I always have an enjoyable time on a film set but you don't get much idea about the end product because the director's in total control."

"I am always looking for a part different to the one I've just done. A lot of time I get sent scripts and they're looking for the same kind of character that I've just played.

Away from the screen and stage Francesca likes to spend time with her three children and keeps looking trim doing aerobics and yoga. "I've got a family so that keeps me busy most of the time."

And on the tabloid gossip about her affair with film star Ralph Fiennes? "I ignore it," she says.

Ghosts is at the Theatre Royal, Windsor, on February 20 to March 3 for tickets call (01753) 853888