It's the gloomy things that need our help, if everything in the garden is sunny, why meddle?

When people are feeling insecure about their jobs and there are cuts to be made, it's hard to put up an argument that the film industry needs funding.

You see, in America, it's quite standard for an actor to sign, at the beginning of a series, for five or seven years. The maximum any British agent will allow you to have over an actor is three years.

The English country house is certainly an icon of British culture.

If there's one thing I don't look for in a maid, it's discretion. Except with my own secrets, of course.

I always like to arrive at the airport early to enjoy breakfast and lounge about so that when I get on the plane all my travel fever has disappeared.

I can be as contrary as I choose.