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.

I can be so blown away by story lines.

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

I come from a very working-class background, so my family would have been downstairs in the past, as opposed to upstairs. People are often quite surprised to hear that, that I'm not actually posh.

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

I don't get recognized all the time, but it tends to happen more in America, and people are so lovely when they do.

I get so excited about reading a new script.