What inspired you to become an actor?

"Like most kids I loved cinema from an early age, so acting had always been appealing. On top of that, my grandfather was a natural performer and a comic genius, and being around him directly inspired me to try for a career in performance. I joined the Central School of Speech and Drama in London and it went on from there."

How did you land your big part in Ballykissangel?

"I had just won British Comedy’s Best TV actor award for playing Damian Day in Drop The Dead Donkey and that raised my profile a fair bit. That said, I wasn’t handed ‘Ballykissangel’ on a plate – I had to audition for the part like anybody else. There were lots of actors in the running and I was lucky enough to be chosen for the part."

What was it like working with Dawn French in Ted and Alice?

"It was an absolute hoot! I have always been a big fan of hers and I jumped at the chance to work with her. It was tremendous fun and it really made me realise how lucky I’ve been in terms of the variety of parts I’ve played. After all, you can’t get much more ‘different’ than playing an alien in a romantic comedy."

What attracted you to the series In Deep?

"Probably because it wasn’t just another ‘gritty’ series. Most cop shows try to be so authentic, which can get a little boring - we all know what police are like in everyday life. I wanted to see something a bit bolder and more glamorous – kind of like The Sweeney used to be. Also, Nick Berry is a very good friend of mine and I really wanted to work with him."

Who has influenced you the most in your career?

"Well- this may seem a bit odd - but I've always been a great fan of old silent movies, so Laurel and Hardy have been two big influences on me. I loved their humour and admired all the films they made over the years. Their work was clever and revolutionary and they’re still funny today."

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