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.

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.

Sometimes in life, random things can blind-side you.

Working on new projects gives you the opportunity to learn and absorb new things.

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

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.