What inspired you to become an actor?
"When I was about six or seven I went to a pantomime and was entranced by the scenery. It depicted a forest and seemed to go on forever. I wanted to be part of that huge forest, of that world on stage. And that yearning set me on the path to acting."

How did you get the role of James Herriot in All Creatures?
"I lied, I cheated, I gave people money. No, not really! While doing a series called Murder Most English I got chatting with the producer and asked what else he was working on. He said he was hoping to adapt the James Herriot books, and I said I'd be interested. For a long while the producers were thinking of getting a Scottish actor for the part of Herriot, but eventually, to my good fortune, they gave it to me."

They say actors should never work with animals or children, and you certainly broke that first rule with All Creatures. Did any mishaps occur during filming?
"I haven't worked with an animal or a child that I wouldn't work with again, but if you want a list of grown-up actors...! Joking aside, I was once bitten by a cat during filming. It was part of the script, but it wasn't actually supposed to bite me for real. And it blooming hurt!"

Be honest: is it true you don't actually like animals?
"Not at all! This myth comes from The Sun, which interviewed me and asked if I liked animals. I said I thought people are more important than animals, and they came out with a headline saying I didn't like animals. I got into a lot of trouble for that!"

What did you like best about your character Mac in 'Doctors'?
"That he's not James Herriot! But also because he's so real. The producers originally wanted Mac to be the 'doctor everyone wants', but I convinced them to make him realistic, with the kind of faults all of us have. And that's what I like about him."

Who has influenced you the most in your career?
"All those actors who are better than me inspire me! Among actors of my generation, I particularly love Michael Gambon and Ken Stott. I love to be around talented performers - by being close to them you can improve your own craft."