The more telly you do, the more it feels like a factory.

With all the lines I have to learn for TV scripts, I don't think I have any problems with forgetfulness - that's brain exercise enough for me.

I'm fascinated by politicians, because I suspect the huge majority of them go into it full of ideas and for the best possible reasons but end up being hijacked.

I never have liked detective dramas. I try to watch all of them to see what's going on, but I don't like them.

My family have been around Northumberland for five generations.

People think I'm thick because of the characters I play. I think I'm brighter than the characters. Well, I hope I am.

I'm very good at being out of work.