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

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

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’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.’

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

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

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