Collette: 'I hope to play Tara for years'

Toni Collette has admitted that she hopes her Emmy win means that she can play her part "for years to come".

The United States of Tara star bested fellow nominees Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sarah Silverman, Mary-Louise Parker and Christina Applegate in the lead actress in a comedy category at last night's ceremony.

The 36-year-old stars as the titular character on the Showtime series as a mum with multiple personalities. Her 'alters' on the programme include a '50s-type housewife (Alice), a promiscuous teen (T) and a male Vietnam vet (Buck).

Collette explained that she wants to continue playing the role for more seasons and is optimistic that her victory will afford her the chance to do so, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

She said: "[I hope] I get to play this part for years to come because I really enjoy doing it."

Collette also stated that her various incarnations on Tara would have different reactions to the award, adding: "Alice would start polishing it."

The second season of United States of Tara premieres early 2010 on Showtime.