The character [Maigret] is bound to change and develop, and I wouldn't like to claim that we are perfectly formed straight out of the box. I think it's what I'd call an 'optimistic start'. As you know, for me, no glass is anything other than half empty, so I apologise for my reticence in terms of promoting this programme.

I would never wish to say that I've finally waved goodbye to any character, it's just that the emphasis tends to shift.

The arts community still has a long lasting cynicism of the importance, or the artistic value, of comedy. Comedy is just farting about for money.

People think because I can make them laugh on the stage, I'll be able to make them laugh in person. That isn't the case at all. I am essentially a rather quiet, dull person who just happens to be a performer.

If you're a serious actor, it's when you know you're going to die tomorrow that you really start to feel it.

[Maigret] is more internal. I think if we made more of these I might let him out a bit.

I'm not a collector. I don't like the toy cupboard syndrome that causes so many good cars to evaporate.