I'm a working class lad..

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

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

If youre going to kiss a man, let it be a beautiful man like Ed Speleers..

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….

Because youve done the horrible jobs, it gives you an even grittier determination to succeed..

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 n….

It's not just modern-day society that is liberal..

It's hard being gay in Edwardian times..

You don't buy evil characters lattes. That's not normal behavior..

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 care….

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..

Sometimes people can be guilty of not working at relationships and if it's not working, oof, that's it..

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

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

Most actors will tell you that villains are the most interesting to play..

America does not like people being not nice to dogs..

When you're kissing a woman and you want it to look realistic, you're thinking, 'Am I taking advantage of her? Is her boyfriend going to think I'm ov….

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