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.

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've had to learn when not to tweet. Like, you learn how to keep your mouth shut? Learn to keep your tweet shut.

What was interesting was talking to older gay men about what it was like being gay in the Eighties.

Coming back to theatre is something I'm keen to do for the rest of my life. It recharges my batteries, so to speak.

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

I don't know much about my biological background.