I always do like to write love stories, even if they end tragically.

I suppose I have the tastes of someone who teaches at a university in the provinces.

The BBC fulfils a wonderful cultural function. Maybe the problem is that it feels it needs to be everything to everybody.

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

I prefer love scenes to be shot up close with a lot of focus on eyes and mouths. Otherwise it can feel uncomfortable and voyeuristic.

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.