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

I always do like to write love stories, even if they end tragically.

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

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.

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.

Be careful about the advice you give, especially to your children.

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.