The rich and famous use it to keep the signs of ageing at bay. But now it seems Botox itself has a younger rival.

Polaris Laser, as the name suggests, employs a laser to make those unsightly wrinkles vanish.

Among the treatment's devotees is the actress Anna Friel.

Laser love: Anna Friel says Polaris is 'the best thing around'

Asked if she had had surgery or Botox during her career, Miss Friel insisted she had not.

But the 33-year-old revealed: 'I do have something called Polaris.

'It's like a laser machine that brings collagen to the surface and reconditions the skin.

'You can see an immediate difference. It's the best thing around.'

Looking good: Anna believes Polaris treatment gives an 'immediate difference'

'I'm not going to say I wouldn't have anything done because I'd be a liar,' she said.

She went on: 'I'm sure I'll be one of those people who has bits of tweaking. I haven't done Botox because I'm scared that I won't be able to move my face.'

Honest: Anna said she could not rule out having surgery in the future

One private health care firm that carries out Polaris Laser insists 'this revolutionary new technology offers a safe and effective solution for smoothing fine lines, deeper wrinkles and firming the skin'.

According to proponents of the treatment, it is particularly adept in dealing with the early signs of ageing, including crow's feet, frown lines, and smokers' lines.

They say it can be performed in less than an hour and is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure.

Botox - which smoothes away lines of the face by freezing muscles - has become a 'must-have' treatment for many celebrities in recent years. Simon Cowell once said using it was as normal as 'cleaning his teeth'.

It is now used by more than 100,000 Britons a year. However, critics warn that using Botox can - on occasion - cause side-effects including 'pre-ageing' the skin.

Meanwhile, Friel laughed off recent romance rumours of an affair with her Breakfast At Tiffany's co-star Joseph Cross.

She admitted the pair struck up a close friendship while co-starring in the West End production, but insisted it was strictly platonic.

She said: 'He’s a person I’m very close to. I worked with him every day for six months - he’s so dear to me. He’s my wonderful friend and co-star.

'He gave me a kiss and was, like, “Hello, darling” and they made a story about it. I’m very tactile.'

Friel said she is perfectly happy with long-term lover David Thewlis, despite their unconventional relationship.

She explained: 'He’s 13 years older than me. We have our own separate properties and we’re not married.

'He’s never asked me (to marry him). No way does a woman ask a man. I know some people do but I couldn’t.'

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