For me, horror movies are a real escape.

Getting the role in '300' saved me. I'd been out of work for 11 months after 'The Brothers Grimm.' Once the film came out and didn't do so well, the director Terry Gilliam blamed me for absolutely everything. It was pretty appalling, and I had started to wonder if I'd ever get another job again when I was asked to audition for '300.

I worked in Tesco's staff canteen because I fancied a boy on the tills. I served him his lunch in a hairnet and tan tights. Not just that, of course - I had a lovely white onesie.

I was obsessed with vampires when I was 13 or 14.

I am very much a seat-of-the-pants actor. I will prepare when I have to. But I like being unprepared.

Sometimes it's a bizarre, fairly cold, and horrifying thing to be a parent.

I've said from day one that I've got no problem with nudity. I've done it throughout my career.