You do feel a certain obligation to shows that raise your profile like 'Downton' has. But there are definitely other exciting opportunities out there.

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.

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.

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

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