Brendan Coyle in Downton Abbey As Downton Abbey prepares to celebrate Christmas in grand style, spare a thought for valet John Bates, who stands wrongly accused of murdering his scheming first wife Vera. Last seen being led away in handcuffs by police in front of tearful new wife Anna, he’s up in court and could hang if found guilty. TV Choice caught up with actor Brendan Coyle who plays him…

Downton Abbey is one of the highlights of Christmas TV, isn't it?
I really hope so, the scripts were amazing for the Christmas episode. I don’t see what all the other actors are doing, so when I watch it I’m a punter as well. I’m really looking forward to it.

Downton AbbeySo what can you tell us about this episode?
Absolutely nothing! It’s been nice talking to you and I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! I’ve spoken to the producers and I just can’t say.

What was it like filming the trial scenes?
Very atmospheric and intense, especially filming in the cells. Courts are designed to make you feel small so when I walked up the stairs into the dock, it was pretty intimidating.

You have a great on-screen partnership with Joanne Froggatt who plays Anna, is she a big part of this episode?
Yes, it’s a process we go through together and we’re really happy with what we’ve done. I’ve been pretty blessed with acting partnerships and it makes a big difference. We hit it off straight away as actors and as people. She’s a dream to work with, a cracking woman and I love her — she’s great.

What about the cult of Mr Bates — you have an army of admirers, don't you?
I honestly don’t know about that and I don’t really engage. I finished series two of Downton Abbey, had four days off and then went straight into filming a new Sky One comedy drama called Starlings, so that’s been taking all my attention. When the show was airing I was on location in Derbyshire and I’ve also moved house, so it’s been a full on year. I haven’t really thought about the impact of Bates in series two.

Why do you think he’s been such a hit?
We live in a culture and a time where everyone’s encouraged to say what they think and feel, and maybe some people need to shut up just a wee bit. He’s a man of few words, very stoic. It’s about a different generation and a different way of communicating.

What will you be doing this Christmas?
I haven’t decided yet but I love the build up. I try to keep it at arms length as much a possible because it’s a bit too commercial, but I’ll get the tree up. I celebrate my birthday at this time too so I associate it with winding down, stopping work.

You mentioned Sky One’s Starlings, which is a complete gear change for you.
Yes, I play Terry who’s married to Jan [Lesley Sharp] and is incredulous at the family he’s spawned and the extended family he’s attracted. They’re an eccentric bunch but, like starlings, they move as a unit. It’s seemingly random but they are actually finely tuned to each other.

Did you enjoy the change of style?
It’s one of the happiest experiences of my life. We just laughed the whole time. It’s heart-warming, funny and tender.

Do you have any new year’s resolutions?
I’ll try to get to Old Trafford more. Sir Matt Busby was my great uncle so I love Man United, but I can never get there enough.

Do you get special treatment?
Absolutely not, I’m not a celebrity supporter. I’m there with my pie and Bovril like everybody else!
Mary Comerford

TV Choice