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

Taking the humour out of Dickens, it's not Dickens any more.

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

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

A distinguished producer called Kenith Trodd actually lived in his office for over a year - the cleaners refused to go in because it was such a tip.

The writer in movies is about as low as you can get and you really are a hired hand. You are paid a lot of money to be treated like dirt.