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.

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

And there are lots of moments when I think, ‘What am I doing as an actor? I can’t act!’

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.

America does not like people being not nice to dogs.

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

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!