Michelle Dockery got star-struck when she met P. Diddy

She told Grazia magazine: "Being in the same room as actors you've watched and loved for years is exciting.

"Award shows are fun but they're something I'll never get used to.

"P. Diddy was at the Globes and saw our table and waved. I was like, 'Oh my God! Sean Combs is coming over to say hello!' He was just amazing. Things like that will happen and it's surreal."

Michelle went on to compare some events to being like waxwork museum Madame Tussauds as there are so many celebrities in attendance, and admitted she is always stunned when people know who she is.

She added: "The Met Ball is like Madame Tussauds, but everyone moves.

"I was like, yep, that's Sarah Jessica Parker, that's Kylie, that's Beyonce, no big deal.

"The first year, Laura Carmichael and I turned up thinking no one would know who we were, and then they all said they'd been watching 'Downton'."

Despite attending so many glitzy showbiz events, the actress insists she always has time for her family and friends.

She said: "I always make time for my friends and family. I love having the time when I'm travelling to actually see where I am. That's something that's really changed with my life. Having the opportunity to travel and see the world - that feels like a real privilege."