I've been really lucky because I've managed to become wonderful friends with a handful of very talented British designers. Christopher Kane has become one of my very good friends - also Erdem. Jonathan Saunders is another brilliant talent who's very kind. We all hang out.

Laura Carmichael

In the U.K., there is a sort of obsession with class.

Laura Carmichael

Sometimes we do things that are really awful.

Laura Carmichael

I grew up listening in awe to stories of their wartime adventures. My granny, Joan, was a journalist and wrote amazing letters to my grandpa when he was a prisoner of war, while my nana, Mary, was a Land Girl, then a Wren. They were so independent, resilient and glamorous.

Laura Carmichael

When I'm in a tricky situation I often think: 'What would Beyonce do?' It helps.

Laura Carmichael

I cry at films and TV and even adverts.

Laura Carmichael

I don't really get recognised very much.

Laura Carmichael

I've not sat with my agent going: 'Where is the next hopeless girl I can play?' They just come along.

Laura Carmichael

You have to have sympathy for and an empathy with a character in order to play them.

Laura Carmichael

I have such a huge girl crush on Beyonce.

Laura Carmichael

When I emerge from filming I feel slightly out of synch with real life, but it's also a relief.

Laura Carmichael

I certainly never saw myself as posh.

Laura Carmichael

I did all sorts of jobs after drama school - working in a bar, as a teaching assistant. I probably learned as much from them as I did at drama school.

Laura Carmichael

I'm not recognised much at all.

Laura Carmichael

I'm from Southampton.

Laura Carmichael

As actors, you play people who are not yourselves!

Laura Carmichael

I think it must be so hard to start your career with everyone going on about how gorgeous you are. To be in that bracket must be so pressurised.

Laura Carmichael

It's beneficial to play against your type; to be chameleon-like.

Laura Carmichael

Playing a plainer role means everything is dependent on the credentials of the actor, not the fact that they are as pretty as Julia Roberts. People start to look at their talent rather than their appearance. And playing the ugly part often means less time in the make-up chair, which is a great benefit on set.

Laura Carmichael

I have two sisters, and we are the best of friends.

Laura Carmichael

My history teacher was utterly terrifying, but her lessons were very inspiring. She got me interested in people and stories, which then led me to acting.

Laura Carmichael