America does not like people being not nice to dogs.

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!

It's not just modern-day society that is liberal.

My mom and dad put my brother and sister through university and they were very keen for us to have an academic background just to give us a chance.

Sometimes people can be guilty of not working at relationships and if it's not working, oof, that's it.

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.’

If I had a comfort blanket, I wouldn't have been as passionate and driven.