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.

Everything's so accelerated now.

"I've never see you do something like this before and I'd love to see you try." For a young actor, that's about the most exciting thing that anyone can say to you.

Family is hugely important to me. Having kids is the best possible way to shake off any kind of darkness that might accompany a role that you're playing.

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

All my early school reports from the age of 5 were 'Daniel must learn not to distract others.'

I was a pretty difficult teenager.