I don't know much about my biological background.

The female attention I have to struggle hardest with is from my two-year-old daughter.

Coming back to theatre is something I'm keen to do for the rest of my life. It recharges my batteries, so to speak.

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

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 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.

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