Daniel Mays

Ever since the commercial smash that was 'The Full Monty', we've always made films about underdogs. It's something that embodies Britishness and that sense of community and people punching above their weight.

I've never been burgled. I don't quite know what I would do if it was the dead of night and there was someone in the house, and my kids were asleep upstairs.

I guess I'm always drawn to the underbelly of someone, really, as opposed to how heroic they are. I don't judge those sorts of people.

But the calibre of actors that they attract to come and do the guest leads on 'Doctor Who' is fantastic. You weigh it up, and in this series alone, there's Hugh Bonneville, Frances Barber, David Walliams. Toby Jones has done it.

I always liked 'Doctor Who' but I wasn't a crazed fan when I was a kid.

Kids have got such active imaginations and they're scared of so many different things.

I think the great thing about 'Ashes To Ashes' is that it is very much its own show.

A lot of the work I've done has been about being very raw and open with your emotions.

I got an American agent. I don't know what to think about that.

I had gone from job to job up in London before 'Fisherman's Friends'.

God, I've played a lot of policeman.

It's something I have always tried to do in my career - play outside the box.

I try to mix the characters up and not be second guessed by the audience.

White Lines' is without a doubt one of the best, most imaginative, brilliantly bonkers scripts I've ever had a chance to work on.

Everyone's got that dream of Ibiza, you've either been or you want to go, because it's kind of got this mystical quality to it.

I like to be in character a good few hours before I arrive for filming.

Before filming I'll be constantly thinking about my role at the back of my mind and slowly build up the intensity until I can explode on set. There is a very fine line between not quite getting there, and getting that bit too intense.

At drama school I learned the Stanislavski technique, which uses sentimental memories and bits of your past to put real emotion into the scene.

I listen to music to try and focus or concentrate on emotional characters, which is quite common among actors. It might seem cheesy, but I particularly listen to Coldplay because I'm moved by their lyrics. But any music can help depending on the character and their mood.

I went to stage school, I went to Rada, I've been in this London bubble for as long as I can remember, which is involved with being as inclusive and accepting of any people from different countries, different walks of life, different religion - that's who I am.

Sundays are a day for recuperation and family.

I worked on 'Line of Duty' with Vicky McClure after she'd just finished the last series of 'This Is EnglandI think the great thing about 'Ashes To Ashes' is that it is very much its own show. and I kept nagging her to find out how it ended.

I couldn't believe how big Ben Affleck's trailer was. It was like a spaceship - I remember thinking, I'd live in that.

I come from Essex, Buckhurst Hill, where Jade Goody was buried. My hometown will forever be known for that.

Everyone's life is extraordinary if you look at it closely enough.