I had a mother who was very emotionally demanding, wanting to be the centre of attention. As they say in EastEnders, she thought it was all about 'er. I spent a lot of time trying to work out what was going on.

One of the things I've always thought is a drag in so many period adaptations is that they are always buttoned up to the neck in so many clothes all the time. I'm always looking for excuses to get them out of their clothes.

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 had a mother who was very emotionally demanding, wanting to be the centre of attention. As they say in EastEnders, she thought it was all about 'er. I spent a lot of time trying to work out what was going on.

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

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

When you see two writers named on a movie, one of them did some drafts and got the boot.