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.

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

I think you can make perfectly good television just from people who are genuinely interested, talking to people who genuinely know - simple as it sounds, it can be riveting.

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 admire artists who are ageing and still retaining their edge.

The power of telly is surprising. If you're in a six-part series, you're famous while it's on - people point in the street. Two weeks later it all goes back to normal.