Most actors will tell you that villains are the most interesting to play.

America does not like people being not nice to dogs.

I’m quite flirtatious with anyone. Some people, because I’m playing a gay character, get quite nervous. And I have to reassure them. I’m like, ‘I’m not gay. I’m not coming on to you. Yet.’

Most actors will tell you that villains are the most interesting to play.

Because youve done the horrible jobs, it gives you an even grittier determination to succeed.

I'm proud of the fact that Downton Abbey was born in a recession, at a time when ITV had dropped a lot of drama programmes. And I know that because I was out of work at the time!

I think because of my background - I went through university and did an academic career and fell into acting - I've never had a game plan for my career because I got into it quite ad hoc.