The establishment is a dirty, dangerous beast, and the BBC is a mouthpiece for that.

Inspector Rebus is a great character, so when the opportunity came up to revive the role for 'BBC Children in Need,' and really have a bit of fun with it, I was happy to take part.

It's a damned long, boggy, dirty, dangerous way.

In every area, we seem to have thrown everything away and embraced reality television. It's nauseating, programme after programme.

My first major role was in a play called 'Through the Leaves.'

I've got a feeling that with the best coppers - and in fact the best people in any field of work - what sets them apart is a maverick quality. People who are not afraid to bend the rules in order to achieve the universally desired end.