For years, I was often afraid to speak up when I didn't fully understand a script. I'd tie myself in knots.

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

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.

You can live without many wants.

It is time to change the paradigm of the church and of every Christian.

The life that brings light in the family often attracts darkness in form of envy and hatred that stands as encumbrances

Hell will be Heaven with Friends, Heaven will be Hell without them.

I don't feel alienated from American culture, but I understand people who do.

You know who was wonderful to work with? Was Paul Gleason, may he rest in peace.

Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup!

I haven't any wisdom - just a child like everybody else. I'm not as great as Frank Lloyd Wright.

The brave and capable women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have performed admirably.

From the time I can remember my mother kept me in church. I think my first recollection of any place, being anywhere was in a church.