Shannyn's star begins to rise

This is about a guy called Matt (Josh Hartnett) who makes a pact that he won't have sex for the 40 days and 40 nights of Lent because he thinks this will help him get over the girl who dumped him.And of course I'm Erica, the girl who comes along and ruins everything.

I wasn't at all sure about taking this role becuase I didn't think it was my kind of humour. But our director Michael Lehmann totally talked me into it. I'm so glad he did - because I love the film, it's really clever. I never thought it would be bad, but I was unsure how it would turn out. What I like about 40 Days and 40 Nights is that it tells a realistic, natural, awkward love story.

And Josh made it special. Although he's a busy bee, we still hang out in LA when we get the chance. I met him for the first time right before filming, and found we got along and there was chemistry. I really like that he's the complete opposite of me - he's really serious - and he has a huge heart. I don't mean he's boring, but it meant we were able to create a really good on-screen dynamic because we're so different.

My favourite scene is the 'flower scene' we did together - I don't want to give away too much. I was dreading it because I didn't know how it would turn out and I thought people might laugh. There are lot of white orchids and aesthetically, it's beautiful. I also love any scene that has my flat-mate Ryan (Paulo Constanzo) in it as well. He's just hilarious.