I'm not a sci-fi lover; I wasn't from the start. So perhaps I miss that passion for other worlds, other dimensions, that sort of scope and that magnitude of storytelling; that's not my thing though I meet plenty of people whose thing it definitely is.

Coming from a large family makes you feel protected - you have friends and allies.

I never thought I'd be one of those old hams who favours theatre over everything, but I'm getting that way. Telly and film seemed more fun when I was younger; turning left on planes and washing up in nice places. But there are things that you only learn in theatre.

Films are artifice. We're telling stories on film. At the same time, when it works, there is a real tough immediacy and spontaneity to it, and a punch.

Brighton gives me the heebie-jeebies. When I'm near the seafront I can't sleep, I can't eat.

As an actor, you get hired to repeat yourself. It wears you out.

I resent almost all of the time I spend in front of the television, but I find 'The Only Way Is Essex' absolutely riveting.