Intuitions are not to be ignored, John. They represent data processed too fast for the conscious mind to comprehend.

I’m an actor and a writer, that’s how I think of myself. Sometimes my time is divided equally, sometimes less equally, but that’s what I do.

Any time, any place, any where. He’s not called Doctor Martini, is he?

The first film I can remember seeing on TV was ‘The Brides of Dracula.’ I was instantly hooked.

Me having the right to get married doesn’t take anything away from anyone else. Rights aren’t like cake: me having some doesn’t mean you get less.

All pleasure should be a little bent, don’t you think?

My dad was quite a forbidding figure. I realise now that that was mainly because he worked so hard. He wasn’t unkind, but he was a presence.

I’m a great believer in the beauty and the power of surprise.

I am a gay man who loves James Bond films and snooker – all kinds of working-class pursuits.

Benedict is bumbly, sweet, affable; the nicest man you’ve met.