I remain, however, fairly optimistic for the future of period drama because it's just such a popular thing..

The writer in movies is about as low as you can get and you really are a hired hand. You are paid a lot of money to be treated like dirt..

I suppose I have the tastes of someone who teaches at a university in the provinces..

I used to have this Mercedes, a dark blue 450SLC, which was the most beautiful car. I'd like to have another unusual, beautiful car..

My wife likes history and documentaries, but I'm not so keen on them. I generally go and do some work if there's one of those on..

The most moving scene for me in 'Pride and Prejudice' is the Pemberley music room scene: Elizabeth has just saved Darcy's sister from embarrassment a….

Rebecca Eaton has made an enormous contribution to the cultural life of America, and, more than that, she is one of the most fun people I know..

I'm not one of these people who say how much better American drama is than English. I find it mostly too American, except for The Sopranos, which I t….

A distinguished producer called Kenith Trodd actually lived in his office for over a year - the cleaners refused to go in because it was such a tip..

I always do like to write love stories, even if they end tragically..

People like bonnets. I don't think you can under-estimate that..

When you see two writers named on a movie, one of them did some drafts and got the boot..

The older I get, the more fun it is to write young people. It's just a holiday from what is becoming old age, really..

Be careful about the advice you give, especially to your children..

Novels often have leisurely openings; a TV drama needs an arresting opening..

The joy of writing drama is putting yourself into different people's heads..

I prefer love scenes to be shot up close with a lot of focus on eyes and mouths. Otherwise it can feel uncomfortable and voyeuristic..

I had a mother who was very emotionally demanding, wanting to be the centre of attention. As they say in EastEnders, she thought it was all about 'er….

I was getting rewarded for writing well, from about the age of five or six. A teacher would say, "Look what Andrew has written," and I thought, "Mayb….