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 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'm a massive sucker for music documentaries.

I am a passionate believer that comedy is a way of tackling some of the most dark and difficult aspects of being a human being.

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

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

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