Her star may have taken a little longer to ascend, but these days all the signs are saying that Jessica Biel may just be the new pretender to the throne of "America's sweetheart". And this is no small accolade, given that it was a post previously occupied by Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston.

It could be that, like Aniston, Biel began her career on a beloved, if squeaky-clean, TV sitcom (7th Heaven). Or that, like Roberts, she has a similarly disarming smile and real-woman figure. Or it could be that she grew up grounded; the tomboy daughter of post-hippie, "green" parents who grew their own fresh produce and took the family rafting and camping (Americans love a salt-of-the-earth star). Or that she has to work to keep her curves in svelte condition and readily admits it. Or it could just be that Hollywood trusted her enough to cast her as a totally original character in the movie version of the classic Eighties TV show The A-Team.

A self-confessed adrenaline-junkie in reality, Biel plays the tough-talking Captain Charisa Sosa, determined to round up the loveable, but still renegade war veterans (with perhaps a little chemistry with Lt Faceman thrown in). The 28-year-old star claims her love of physical exercise – jogging, cycling, soccer and skiing – meant she was well prepared for the role, which was still physically exhausting (hanging with four wisecracking guys will do that to you.)

We asked Jessica some questions...

How did you get involved in The A-Team?
Jessica Biel: I love the director. Most of my stuff wasn't even written when I got involved. She was a tough girl, kind of bitchy, and over time the character developed. Now she's funny; she has a great sense of humour.

Did you have to get in shape for this film?
JB: Well, the guys did most of the action. But I'm always in shape anyway. I do a lot of yoga and I play volleyball on the beach.

And you just climbed Kilimanjaro. What was that like?
JB: It was an incredible experience. I had constant headaches because of the high altitude, but it was worth it. It's very challenging. We made it all the way up. I didn't feel well on top of the mountain, but it's a real mental challenge.

Have you got the taste for mountain climbing now?
JB: Yes, I have. I want to try to make it to the Mount Everest Base Camp next. I'm serious. I want to go with a friend who is a guide there. She's a remote medic, she guides and she's attempting her first climb without supplemental oxygen. Once a year, I'd like to do something like that.

Congrats for being voted one of the most beautiful people in the world...
JB: Oh, thanks. It's very flattering. It's great to have that said about you, but let's get real. We all know there are a lot of people around the world who don't have that said about them, but who are incredibly beautiful.

Would you agree that your career has been fairly quiet for a while?
JB: Yes, I guess you can say that. Of course I have these dreams of playing these amazing women, but I feel quite happy where I am. Is it perfect? No, maybe not. But I set goals and I try to reach them. I feel very lucky.

Yet you're always in the public eye. How do you deal with it?
JB: The goal is to make it look effortless, and try to ignore it and not let in what people say about you. It's toxic. You can't please everybody. I don't read reviews. As long as I feel happy, it's okay.

Have you always been so athletic?
JB: Yes, I have. When I was younger, I played on sports teams. I played soccer and I was on a gymnastics team. I miss team activity today. My whole childhood was athletics; being part of a group. Without sport, I go crazy. I need to do yoga, go to the gym or go on a hike with the dogs. I need that for my mental peace; I need it to de-stress.

What about food?
JB: I love food, but I'm very disciplined and boring. When I'm working, I eat well. I do think that food is a drug. When I don't eat properly, I have way less energy and my body and face look different. When I'm not working, though, I let it go. I indulge and don't mind that I might gain a couple of kilos here and there.

What did you like about working with Bradley Cooper on The A-Team?
JB: He's got a great sense of humour and he's so loose. He likes to improvise, so it really was a joy. He’s just naturally able to spit out new lines all the time.

How about the kiss?
JB: Listen, we're all professionals here. And I've done worse than kiss a guy on screen. Adam Sandler grabbed my boobs once in a movie!

The A-Team really is about this group of guys. You are the only woman. Do you feel comfortable among a group of guys?
JB: Well, I can't really drink anybody under the table, but I do feel comfortable around guys. And I try to make them comfy as well. I dish out a couple of fart jokes here and there.

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