I've never tried to find my real parents. I'm very grateful to my mum and dad for adopting me - they're completely incredible people. It was my dad who encouraged me to question everything, to forge my own path, to think, to read. I always felt it was my right to question everything.

I was a pretty difficult teenager.

I'm sure I wouldn't have been asked to judge the Man Booker if it weren't for 'Downton.'

I don't think there's ever a right time to have kids. I'm actually pretty glad it's happened quite young.

I'm a huge fan of Eighties music.

I'm shocked at being recognized. You go to places you don't think you would be and still, you are. Taxi drivers often recognise me... but I haven't got a free ride yet.

The comfort zone is the great enemy to creativity; moving beyond it necessitates intuition, which in turn configures new perspectives and conquers fears.