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

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

It's great when somebody is able to communicate an actual shot sequence to you and you know the world you're inhabiting with that. It's literally a haunting tune.

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

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

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.