When I left EastEnders, I could have earned an absolute fortune from sexy calendars, shoots for lads' mags, fitness videos and reality shows. But I always turned them down.

Doing the same thing day in, day out. It's just so boring. I like to jump from different things.

There's such a huge world out there; I haven't even begun to scratch the surface.

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.

I just believe that sometimes in life you're like a shark - you have to keep moving through water; otherwise, you'll die.

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