Shakespeare and his work will always be relevant. He wrote those pieces hundreds of years ago and we haven't really changed as humans, have we? We have to deal with love, honour and adultery now - people were the same then, too - that's what's so wonderful and powerful.

Being in the same scenes as Maggie Smith and Shirley MacLaine is something I will never forget.

I think the first time I realised Downton Abbey was a hit was when I was sitting in a tea shop in New York and the couple next to me were talking about Downton Abbey, and then they recognised me.

For years, I was often afraid to speak up when I didn't fully understand a script. I'd tie myself in knots.

I love cycling, but if I could find a way of building something above the streets for cyclists, that would be amazing. We need even more space.

I don't mind wearing a corset; it informs your posture, changes the way you move, you can't slouch.

I had dance training from a very young age, 3 or 4... It taught me how to present myself, about preparation and working in an ensemble, and its something that carries with me to this day.