Sherlock & Daughter writer, creator and executive producer on sushi, rejecting The Walking Dead and magical Mayo

Funniest day in TV

Shooting a spectacular explosion in a derelict house. It was just meant to blow out a sugar-glass window, but did a pretty good job of flattening the place. Luckily, it was scheduled for demolition.

Best pal in the industry

Danish producer Lars Hermann. A great producer and total mensch. If he needed help burying a body, I would be there with a van and a rolled-up rug, no questions asked. Also, the many people who backed me as a writer early on.

Last time I cried

When my venerable old fat cat Baggy died, the wisest creature I’ve ever met, I cried me a river. 

I’m happiest when I’m…

With my gal, [singer and writer] Shelly [Goldstein]. Ideally in the sun in Santa Monica and within hailing distance of good sushi.

My big break

Some of the journalists at The Belfast Telegraph took me under their wing while I was still at school. I thought I was a trainee, but looking back, I was more of a mascot.

Massive mistake

A manager enquiring if I might be interested in an upcoming show. “Zombies and comic books? Doesn’t really sound like me.” I can’t remember what it was called. The Walking something-or-other…

Holiday destination

Mayo in the far west of Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way. Magical when not twinned with Mordor in the bleak mid-winter.

Growing up I…

Learned tribalism, sectarianism and bigotry are inherited bullshit. And ordinary working men and women often have more wisdom, integrity, bravery than their self-appointed ‘betters’.

Devastating rejection

Any number of them. But my Irishspeaking Da, an aircraft engineer who taught me patience and resilience in the face of anyone patronising, would say: “Na tha an dàn dhut, cha tèid e seachad ort” – what’s for you, won’t go by you. 

Best advice

Destinations are largely illusory, so you better enjoy the journey and the little victories. If you are a writer, understand producers. Also: don’t get custard on your tie. Also: don’t be a dick.

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My mentor

Someone I’ve never met – David Milch who wrote NYPD Blue and Deadwood. His work taught me more about writing for TV than any number of courses, classes or gurus.

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