We were all expecting to finish [Downton Abbey] after Series 1, actually. And then, it got extended to Series 3, and that's when two of our much loved and much missed friends left. And then, it was going to be done with Series 5, but Julian Fellowes said, "I'd like to do one more." So it's been a series of extensions, rather than wondering how much longer we can go on for.

I certainly couldn't run a big country house, nor could I organize the greatest show on earth.

I've had people come up to me in the past and say they enjoyed whatever show I've been in.

Homosexuality has been around since humanity began and different societies at different times have reacted in a different manner.

Am I athletic? In my dreams.

Young people are so often dissed by the media.

At home I have a Tibetan terrier. I'm still not sure if he's a genius or very thick. It's a fine line.