For me, once I've worked on something and it's finished, it's like an ex-boyfriend: you don't go back to them.

I think it's so important as an actor that you hang on to your own inner compass, because so many people want to guide you - 'This is what you should you be doing'. But I want to do different things.

I like to hang out with my friends, go to the theatre, watch DVDs, read, play with my niece.

I was bullied. I was a bit of a geek. Good-looking guys were off-limits. I didn't start dating until I was 18.

I just don't know anything about jazz, really. I've never really listened to it, but I'd definitely like to discover more about it.

I toned down my accent at school; otherwise, people would pick on me.

Soaps are a great springboard for any actor but if you want to be taken seriously, you have to be careful.