The in-demand star was hoping to change her hair colour from blonde to strawberry blonde as she reprised her Agent Dana Scully character for the return of the cult sci-fi series, but she didn't realise how damaged her locks had become after years of playing an array of different roles.

She says, "I was really looking forward to it (becoming a redhead) but I was told that if I went red that would be fine, but getting back to blonde I would go bald."

As a result, she opted to wear a wig for The X-Files update, and admits it was a troublesome accessory.

She tells Entertainment Weekly, "It's like wearing a vice on your head. Every day I have a whopping headache. I want the fans to know I'm suffering for the red."