Films are artifice. We're telling stories on film. At the same time, when it works, there is a real tough immediacy and spontaneity to it, and a punch.

What I did, I did without choice.

If you're in the so-called public eye you have to watch your P's and Q's.

I admire artists who are ageing and still retaining their edge.

The power of telly is surprising. If you're in a six-part series, you're famous while it's on - people point in the street. Two weeks later it all goes back to normal.

I think you can make perfectly good television just from people who are genuinely interested, talking to people who genuinely know - simple as it sounds, it can be riveting.

Coming from a large family makes you feel protected - you have friends and allies.