I long for the countryside. That's where I get my calm and tranquillity - from being able to come and find a spot of green.

One of the many things I love about Daenerys from Game of Thrones is she's given me an opportunity to fly the flag for young girls and women, to be more than just somebody's wife and somebody's girlfriend.

I looked around one stage school when I was maybe nine. It just scared the bejesus out of me. I was incredibly open, and the girls seemed fierce and determined.

Drama school is fundamentally practical. I didn't write any essays, so I came out with a BA honors degree in acting.

My father always says, ‘Never trust anyone who has a TV bigger than their bookshelf.’ So I make sure I read. Back at home, I just put up a massive bookcase and asked everyone I know and love to help me fill it with their favorite books. It’s been quite nice because I’ve learned a lot about my friends and family from what they’ve been giving me. A book says a lot about a person.

I spent most of my life watching HBO series wishing that at some point in my career I might be able to work with them.

I told my parents I wanted to be an actor and they were getting ready for a life of unemployment so they're just happy I'm in work!