I don't mind wearing a corset; it informs your posture, changes the way you move, you can't slouch.

If Shakespeare was around today I would ask him out to dinner. The only thing I don't like about him is the way he did his hair.

I think some period drama can be quite alienating, but 'Downton' isn't. This is going to sound quite, um, pretentious, but someone said that it's like a soap written by a poet.

Cooking can cure almost anything.

I come from a very working-class background, so my family would have been downstairs in the past, as opposed to upstairs. People are often quite surprised to hear that, that I'm not actually posh.

I think the first time I realised Downton Abbey was a hit was when I was sitting in a tea shop in New York and the couple next to me were talking about Downton Abbey, and then they recognised me.

I had dance training from a very young age, 3 or 4... It taught me how to present myself, about preparation and working in an ensemble, and its something that carries with me to this day.

I don't get recognized all the time, but it tends to happen more in America, and people are so lovely when they do.

I love discovering tiny streets.

I love cycling, but if I could find a way of building something above the streets for cyclists, that would be amazing. We need even more space.

I get so excited about reading a new script.

God creates out of nothing. Wonderful you say. Yes, to be sure, but he does what is still more wonderful: he makes saints out of sinners.

Your supporters can help you think in new ways, solve problems, and burst through barriers.

Kill the king but spare the man.

They always try to play with our minds. But that won't work with our club. We've got 20 guys without brains.

It's not about ego. Really. If it was ego, I'd be telling you about my awesome... oh, never mind.

Anger is the fluid love bleeds when cut.

I take pride in whatever I do. If you told me to clean the room up, I'd clean it up real good.

Thank you for the music, Sleater-Kinney. This gang of three was the best American punk rock band ever. Ever.

I haven't exaggerated anything, I've stuck to the facts.

I've honestly really not seen almost any Superman stuff.