My childhood was very gregarious, and I was usually surrounded by close family.

Theres always an anxiety about playing literary characters because one of the great joys of reading books is that you can create your own vision of things.

I didnt know any actors growing up. My dad was a builder, and we didnt know any arty types.

I watch films. I play the guitar: me and some mates - I wouldnt dignify it with the term band - get together and play.

I dont like to watch myself on screen because in my mind there is a touch of George Clooney about me, but when I see it, there is more than a little Donkey from Shrek about me.

I had an inspirational teacher at my junior school: Peter Nixon. He was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and slightly scary - a good combination for a teacher.

I enter myself in races. I did a triathlon, and I have done a marathon a couple of times.