Tell us about playing Ludlow.

Yes, Ludlow, lovely name isn't it, Ludlow? I've been to the castle there and I can associate the castle with the character. He's the kind of beginning of the story really, and it [stems] from him.

It's a cameo role really, but a smashing part. He is on his deathbed and [it's about] his influence with the family and with what is going to happen in the future. The whole point of the series is really dependent on him.

He doesn't die in the way that everybody thinks he's going to die, but he dies in a spectacular way. It really is terrifying but intriguing, because it influences the whole piece.