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

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.

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

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.

Look at Jane Austen. Her characters derive in a reasonably straight line from fairy tales.

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

I'm glad nobody has asked me to adapt 'Wuthering Heights' because I think I would make a mess of it. Everybody makes a mess of it. I think the Bronte Sisters are mad.