Hayley Atwell has written to a penpal since she was eight years old.

The 'Agent Carter' actress loves to wind down for the day by writing letters, and has corresponded with one friend since she was just eight years old.

She said: ''The last thing I do before bed is write letters.

''I have a pen pal in Kansas who I've been writing to since I was eight.

''I also write in my journal before going to sleep.''

The 33-year-old star never goes anywhere without a good book and finds the time to read every day.

She said: ''I always carry books around and spend an hour or two reading in the afternoons.

''My two favourites are 'To Kill A Mockingbird' and 'The History of Love'.''

While Hayley favours traditional methods of communication, she also embraces technology and ensures she catches up on social media every morning.

She said: ''I don't like to miss out on anything so I get up very early and check my Twitter account.

''I'm very engaged with Twitter. I try to make my followers laugh.''

And the British beauty loves catching up with friends over food.

She told Britain's Grazia magazine: ''If I have a day off from work, I'll meet girlfriends for brunch at The Wolseley. I order a mimosa and eggs Benedict.

''If I'm at home cooking, I'll invite my friends over and make a roast with a lot of wine.''