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.

There's definitely a wave of Brits doing great work on American television, and I wouldn't mind being one of them!

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.

My girlfriend is a great support, and I've got a big circle of mates who keep my feet on the ground.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who watched and tuned in and loved my evil gayness.

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.