As an actor, I've always said, half the audience is going to love you, half is going to hate you so just live with it. It's easier that way.

I could do an American accent, if I were immersed in the accent, meaning if I were living back in Los Angeles and rehearsing and auditioning the whole time.

I'm determined not to lose my name. It's who I am. It has neither aided my progress nor hampered it. It's just who I am. My character. My make-up. My culture and heritage is a very rich one. So what if it's difficult for people to pronounce? We all learned how to say Schwarzenegger.

And I guess I have a face and a look that sort of lends itself to period costume!

To be honest, I think that I am a bit of a singer, coming from Wales; being Welsh, we are all very proud of our singing heritage.

It's interesting - an actor's research is different to just historian's research. I'm looking for things that I can actually physically use in the movie.

There's a physicality and confidence to Americans; they're very present. That's something I enjoy being around because it rubs off on you.