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

I was a pretty difficult teenager.

Everything's so accelerated now.

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.

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.

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