I don't spend much on clothes. I buy old books. I tell myself I ought to save - it's the classic Northern work ethic. I like good holidays, though. I'm a big fan of cruises. I love unpacking once and having the scenery change every day.

Alan Bennett and Judi Dench are amazingly talented people who don't let you down when you meet them.

My wife and I always have a winter holiday that I call the "fly and flop". In January and February, you don't want culture, you just want to get your bones warm and eat, drink, sleep. We usually go to the Caribbean.

Don't overdo the booze especially while flying - just because it's there doesn't mean you need to drink it. Everything in moderation.

Gardening is, apart from having children, the most rewarding thing in life

I never get bored of my wife. It's lovely.

I was very inventive. I lived in my own world - my dad said I was a loner. Not lonely, just happy in my own company. It's the same now. I need time alone, which is maybe why I love to write. Having said that, I love the sociability of telly. It's a nice contrast.