Undecided on what to do for NYE? 'Don't plan' says Anna Friel

We’ve reached the end of 2016 and with the year bookended by the deaths of icons David Bowie and George Michael – and Brexit causing a stir in-between – many of us will be glad to see the back of it.

But how to release ourselves from its shackles on New Year’s Eve is just another irritating pressure to deal with over the busy festive season and so this year, we’re going to take Anna Friel’s advice and not plan anything at all.

The former ‘Pushing Daisies’ star says whenever she makes a big hoohah and organises a glitzy event on New Year’s Eve, it turns to be disappointing.

She’s right though, isn’t she?

Anna tries to leave deciding how to mark the turning of the year as late as possible, as she thinks she is only setting herself up for things to go wrong if she has grand expectations for the evening.

Asked her plans with her beau Rhys Ifans, she said: “I usually find if you plan New Year’s, it’s disappointing. I might wait until a few days before and see who is around, because I think it’s about who you’re with, not what you’re doing.”

She added: “I’ve got a place in Majorca so I might head there.”

However, the 40-year-old star – who has daughter Gracie, 11, with former partner David Thewlis – has set herself a number of New Year’s resolutions, and has already made a start on putting them into practice.

She said: “My New Year’s resolution is always to try and be more patient. I’m quite efficient and I get things done quickly.

“Also, drink more water. And my new thing is listening to podcasts and running. I did, like, 12 miles last week doing that.”

You’re an inspiration Anna!