I look back at that time fondly. It's something I never thought I'd get the chance to do, be in a soap. Working with Barbara Windsor and Steve McFadden - they're legends in their own lifetimes aren't they?

Awards are always a pleasant surprise. They are the candy-floss parts of our job - a lovely added extra to attract people's attention. The bottom line is that you want to sell tickets.

People say there's a book in everyone but I'm not sure there is. There might be a pamphlet in me.

I am an opera virgin; I'd far prefer to see a musical such as 'Guys and Dolls.

I haven't played Hedda Gabler yet, but maybe if I did I might find the funny bits.

Wyndham's is a beautiful old theatre. The sensation on the stage isn't as different as you might think from the Royal Court.

I think I always wanted to be an actor - sounds a bit boring, doesn't it? And I pretended once that I wanted to be a vet because one of the teachers asked me and saying you want to be an actor sounds a little bit silly. And I do still feel a bit silly saying it. You feel a bit fraudulent.