The BBC fulfils a wonderful cultural function. Maybe the problem is that it feels it needs to be everything to everybody.

The joy of writing drama is putting yourself into different people's heads.

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 suppose I have the tastes of someone who teaches at a university in the provinces.

I'd love to adapt more contemporary novels. But there isn't really enough story and character to make a really satisfying serial, so they tend to be single dramas.

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.

Rebecca Eaton has made an enormous contribution to the cultural life of America, and, more than that, she is one of the most fun people I know.