I've always been interested in astrology, and Poirot would definitely be a Virgo – his attention to detail is a very Virgo trait. Poirot's secretary, Miss Lemon, adores her employer – she's thorough, like him. There was a chemistry between us all from the word go. Plus we knew all the money was going onto the screen and the production values have stayed very high indeed. Some people just watch it for the sight of the frocks and the interiors. It's amazing how many people in their 20s and 30s like them too – the core audience may be aged 50-plus but we've got a lot of younger followers over the years.
After 12 years the rights were sold to a new production company, and they wanted a film-noir feeling – which isn't in the books – and guest stars. After Philip and Hugh and I did Evil under the Sun we were shown the door and they didn't include us in the storylines. I've mixed feelings about that. But I'm pleased they've caught up with us in this final series, and given the chance to say goodbye to those characters. For us, when we got back on set, it was as if we'd never been away.
I think it will be a century or more before anyone attempts to make another Poirot because David's laid down the definitive interpretation. His attention to detail is like no one I've ever known. He's read the entire canon and incorporated all the idionsyncracies from the books. I know his wife Sheila is well used to the fact that sometimes he's still in character when he gets home!
