As someone synonymous with a fastidious Belgian detective – having played Hercule Poirot on ITV for a quarter of a century – it probably comes as little surprise that David Suchet understands the power of paying attention.

“There’s a quote that really did affect me enormously,” he says when recalling what he learned after all those years inhabiting Agatha Christie’s work. “A young lady is telling Poirot her troubles and she says, ‘Are you listening to me, Poirot?’ And he turns around and says, ‘Mademoiselle, I listen to what you say, but I hear what you mean’.” Suchet chuckles. “Isn’t that great? That line made me a better listener. It stopped me from thinking of my answers when somebody’s talking. It allowed me the ability I still have today to listen and not interrupt or reply until

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