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

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 don't think many people get to play big emotions in life.

There is great worth in holding universal truths and timelessly beautiful words in your heart, which will stay there forever, infusing your thoughts and speech.

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

It's the challenge of trying to evoke any kind of sympathy for a role that ordinarily we would say, "Oh, this is a bad guy" and dismiss him.

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