Writer

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

I'm absolutely delighted if people think of me as a reliable purveyor of quality period stuff.

I'd love to adapt more contemporary novels. But there isn't really enough story and character to make a really satisfying serial, so they tend to be single dramas.

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'm glad nobody has asked me to adapt 'Wuthering Heights' because I think I would make a mess of it. Everybody makes a mess of it. I think the Bronte Sisters are mad.

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

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

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 BBC fulfils a wonderful cultural function. Maybe the problem is that it feels it needs to be everything to everybody.

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 spent a lot of time trying to work out what was going on.

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.

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

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

I would love it if anyone gave me the job of adapting 'The Great Gatsby,' but nobody ever does.