Plan for each episode to be a satisfying experience, but still leave the audience thinking, 'Oh, my God! Now what?

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

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.

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.

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 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.