I think that's what keeps you grounded - having your own life that's not directed by your job.

Doing 'EastEnders' wasn't exactly suffering, but my soul's not in quick-fix TV. Theatre doesn't pay like TV work pays, though. We all have to live, don't we?

My acting career began when I walked into a drama school class run by Anna Scher in Islington. Anna discovered a lot of people: Linda Robson, Pauline Quirke, Gary and Martin Kemp, and Dexter Fletcher were among my contemporaries.

I don't miss EastEnders. I did a two-stretch. That was enough.

Acting is my passion and Chelsea FC is my hobby.

I think that's what keeps you grounded - having your own life that's not directed by your job.

It's great to do small plays in the theatre and then go off with Blur and play in front of thousands of people.