What interested you in the role of Mr Collins?

Mr Collins is one of the great creeps of literature. He’s an extraordinary, funny little eccentric man and I instantly knew that I wanted to play him.

What is his motivation in the story?

His motivation is to advance himself in society to please Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who has helped him in life. I don’t think he’s really bothered about who he ends up marrying so long as it’s a good marriage that Lady Catherine will approve of.

Why is he so reviled by Amanda Price?

A charming aspect to this drama is that Amanda loses herself in the world of Jane Austen because she thinks its men and women have a code of conduct, which is based on romance and honour. When she meets the characters she realises that this isn’t necessarily true, especially when she meets Mr Collins, who certainly doesn’t match any criteria of how a gentleman should behave.

Why does Amanda fall out of favour with him?

A rumour spreads that Amanda comes from a very lowly station to do with fish mongering and that of course would never do. How could Mr Collins, who is possibly destined for Bishopric, be associated with someone who’s to do with fish? Lady Catherine would never permit that.

Why is he so sycophantic towards Lady Catherine de Bourgh?

In those days the very rich women were able to give out a living to Vicars and Teachers and luckily for him he was taken on by her. Without Lady Catherine, he would have nothing except a few pennies from his stingy father.

What effect does Amanda have on the story?

Lost in Austen is such a great tribute to Jane Austen and Guy’s writing is brilliant. He has been so clever in the way he has introduced Amanda Price into such a well known story. With Elizabeth Bennet being stuck in the 21st century, everyone but Amanda and the viewers at home are oblivious to the story changing.

What is your most memorable scene?

Whilst filming a scene where Mr Collins and Mrs Bennet, are sipping tea on the beautiful terrace of Mr Darcy’s house, I told Alex Kingston a particular story and what I didn’t realise was that once I had set Alex off laughing that was it, there was no stopping her. It was hopeless. So because of our hysterical laughing we found it quite difficult to work together, but I definitely hope we do again in the future.

What’s next for you?

I would like to do some more theatre and I’d especially love to do Lost in Austen 2!