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

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.

I would like to do something modern and possibly funny.

I never quite toed the line.

I do listen to a lot of music. Actually, I very often ask directors if they can offer up a play list. They very often have one anyway that they're listening to.

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 always wanted to be an actor.