I grew up with it. As a young actor, I was always aware of the brilliant work of Shakespeare. We studied Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth in school. As a young actor, you're always mystified and intrigued by such brilliant work. To actually have the chance to be involved in this production was a wonderful thing for me.

I'm a big fan of London in the summertime. English people are dependent on weather to change our attitudes, and, provided it's a decent summer, everyone's spirits are uplifted and the whole place is in bloom. It's a magical transformation. London in the summer, going to see bands play outside, watching football.

This is my trademark: I rip my T-shirt. I’m into the whole showing-a-bit-of-chest-hair thing.

Keep your standards high, and any guy who is worth it will rise to meet them.

I bite my nails. I've been chewing on them for years. As long as you don't chew through flesh it's all right.

You have to do things that excite you; you have to have a passion for your work. Otherwise you're just a face on the screen.

I grew up in a middle class English family just outside London. I wasn't surrounded by that speedy city lifestyle, it was a little mellower.