Ray Fearon

“Isn't it annoying when your face doesn't do what you want it to express?”

“I gave up tennis to study, but not before it had shown me how to focus and concentrate. It taught me self-discipline: I was playing four or five hours a day and doing five-mile runs. When I stopped, my energy had to be channelled into something else.”

“I like curvy women. But obviously, a sense of humour is the most important thing. And there's nothing sexier than a girl who is comfortable in her own skin.”

“Anything that brings people to see Shakespeare is fine by me. He's the great humanist.”

“I got my Equity card and agent before I ever went to drama school.”

“When I discovered drama, I felt a connection.”

“If I lose touch with that... the reason why I act... then I'll leave it all. I don't do it for fame or money.”

“I suppose I've been selfish in the past and put my career first. But priorities change.”

“The important thing with memorising a part is not to force it. Sometimes when you're rehearsing, you'll think it's not going in, but it is. On stage, you have to trust that the lines are there, because they are. The real challenge is to relax.”

“I loved playing a character that women fancied.”

“I went to the RSC, and I became a leading actor.”

“I'm shy; I work hard.”

“I now go to my dad's grave to read scripts and learn lines. It's the most peaceful place. I go to see him, and it's fantastic.”

“I can guarantee this to you: every single actor has had a dream of walking on stage on press night and realising that they don't know their lines.”

“Great actors - it's got nothing to do with colour.”

“In modern life, we hide behind ourselves. In Shakespeare, there's nowhere left to hide. It's life, larger than life, and every actor has to raise their game to get there.”

“The script looks huge when you first get it, but you just have to go home and drill the lines out. The more you read it, the shorter it gets. I usually read it at least four times.”

“I like people who enjoy life. I can't stand women who play games. I lose interest very quickly. I prefer up-front honesty.”

“I'd like to meet someone. I'm not scouring the streets, but I'll keep an eye out.”

“I only ever agreed to appear in 'Corrie' for two months, but I ended up staying a lot longer. I really enjoyed it.”