From time to time there is a move to do a little less in the way of period dramas, but people rebel. Audiences say we want them. There is a big hunger for them. I don't think it's sentimentality or nostalgia, it's often that they are simply the best stories.

The most moving scene for me in 'Pride and Prejudice' is the Pemberley music room scene: Elizabeth has just saved Darcy's sister from embarrassment and confusion, and as the music plays on, Darcy's look of gratitude becomes a look of love, which we see reciprocated in Elizabeth's eyes.

I remain, however, fairly optimistic for the future of period drama because it's just such a popular thing.

People like bonnets. I don't think you can under-estimate that.

The older I get, the more fun it is to write young people. It's just a holiday from what is becoming old age, really.

I used to have this Mercedes, a dark blue 450SLC, which was the most beautiful car. I'd like to have another unusual, beautiful car.

I would love it if anyone gave me the job of adapting 'The Great Gatsby,' but nobody ever does.