You have no idea what's going to happen [in Downton Abbey] until you get the script. We roughly knew a couple of the key points that were going to happen, but when I got the last episode, I turned to the last page to check that I was still alive.

Am I athletic? In my dreams.

I'd love to retire somewhere like Winchester, where you have one foot on the pavement but a sense of being in the country as well.

After World War II, the major estates really did collapse.

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.

I think any film that asks its audience a degree of tolerance and acceptance of those less fortunate than themselves isn't a bad thing from whatever culture you're in or from whatever part of any political spectrum.

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