Jonathan Bailey

“So the fact that a lot of straight men have gone on to play iconic gay roles and to be lauded for that is fantastic, that that story is being told. But wouldn't it be brilliant to see gay men play their own experience?”

“I worked with Nick Hurran when I was 15 and had to remind him of this. I did a drama for ITV which he directed.”

“As a family, we were far too busy making mud pies and going to swimming galas, and mum was always working.”

“We know there has been a history of needing to be closeted to succeed and be famous, especially in acting.”

“No, I'm alright for adventure. I will up the Thames in one of those Jacuzzi dingys.”

“You know, I've just discovered the Mandy Patinkin and Patti LuPone performance of Evita' at the Tonys. It's honestly one of the most extraordinary pieces of singing in the world.”

“I already knew, of course, about the juggernaut that is Shonda Rhimes and the cultural significance of her.”

“My understanding of romance novels was that it was on the beach with a glass of rose.”

“I'd like to have been a pilot.”

“My perspective was: yes, I've worked before in London, but, my God, I've never done a musical in the West End and I see myself as someone who's predominantly known for TV, so can I prove my worth?”

“Good actors can do anything, and there'll be amazing writers who are willing to write for everyone.”

“And also, there's a reason why gay characters are so interesting. Because much like the women in Bridgerton,' there are a lot of hurdles and there's a lot of self-growth, and there's a real strength to gay men.”

“It's funny, because even though Bridgerton' is obviously a period drama, Anthony's story is quite modern in the sense that he's reached a point where he genuinely believes that love will never happen for him.”

“It's so important to see everything through every gaze and the female gaze in terms of sex is not something we have seen much of. Let's reassert that balance!”

“I remember seeing Oliver!' when I was six and having vertigo in the theatre - I experience that even when I go to theatres now.”

“That's a testament to Shondaland who cast everyone off self-tapes. That creative instinct that they work through and they encourage everyone to go on is really empowering.”

“We used to go to church and, musically, I remember that being a massive influence. It had a band so it was very upbeat and semi-happy-clappy. It made me who I am.”

“I mean, I think all teachers are basically modern-day heroes.”

“'Bridgerton' is actually delivering on changing the bar, and the standard, of representation.”

“It seemed really important that at least one character in Bridgerton' got burnt by love - you know, Anthony mishandled his relationship with Siena and became quite toxic.”