My wife likes history and documentaries, but I'm not so keen on them. I generally go and do some work if there's one of those on.

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.

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

I'm not one of these people who say how much better American drama is than English. I find it mostly too American, except for The Sopranos, which I think is the best thing.

I'm absolutely delighted if people think of me as a reliable purveyor of quality period stuff.

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.

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.