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

I never quite toed the line.

Soap opera seems to be a dirty word, but actually they are the most popular shows we have.

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.

Soap opera seems to be a dirty word, but actually they are the most popular shows we have. People want to know what happens next, people hate the villains and love the lovers. It's good, fun TV. But I wouldn't call 'Downton' a soap opera as such.

It's nice to get your glad rags on for awards like the Baftas, but it doesn't happen all the time.

I want to spend as much time as I can with my family, yet I'm aware of having to bring home the bacon.