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

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.

I know that a ridiculous number of classic serials have been commissioned, and that reviews show a reaction against them. The critics seem fed up.

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.

Most actors hate readthroughs - they're exposing themselves before they're ready to, and before they've bonded. But I love them because they give us all the first inkling of what the whole show is going to be like, how each part affects every other part, and we won't see that again until it's all edited together.

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

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