Tom Conti, the Scottish actor and writer, believes he has written a new drama to rival the success of ITV's Downton Abbey.

Yesterday Conti, 70, spoke about The Savoy at War, which he described as a "much grander" period drama about the famous London hotel during the Second World War.

He explained: "That hotel was the most fascinating place to be at the time. Everyone who was anyone came to lunch there so it is the perfect vehicle for a drama.

"There are also all the other members of staff who have their own stories so there are staff and guests and how the two interact."

Conti, who was brought up in Paisley and attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, would like to play the role of the manager of the hotel in the drama.

The actor, due to appear in The Dark Knight Rises Batman movie next year, is currently in discussions with "different stations" over the production of his script.