I lived in America for a long time before I started working as an actor. Some actors show up on set and have never done an American accent before, so they rely on a slew of technical mechanisms. Part of what makes an accent is understanding why people speak that way - you have to understand the culture.

I think 'The Wire' really is relatable. It reflects an ongoing issue across America, about inaccuracies in major cities between rich and the poor and some of the things that go on behind the red tape of council and government bodies.

Working at BBC, at the head of one of the top dramas, is a tradition for great actors.

The role of my agent has just been to get me in the room. If I can get in the room - say the character is just a charming man who lives next door - then I'll walk in there and be as charming as I can and they will think to themselves, 'I don't see why we can't cast him.

There has been a big debate about it: can a black man play a Nordic character?

I'll always be attached to telly in one way or another, whether it's a character or producer or director, I just love the medium.

I was in The Wire for three years, and I left at the highlight of that.