I grew up in a middle class English family just outside London. I wasn't surrounded by that speedy city lifestyle, it was a little mellower.

I grew up with it. As a young actor, I was always aware of the brilliant work of Shakespeare. We studied Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth in school. As a young actor, you're always mystified and intrigued by such brilliant work. To actually have the chance to be involved in this production was a wonderful thing for me.

I think gardens are fantastic, and I'd love to draw and design and stuff like that. I love just planting flowers during the summer. There's something very humble about it, and natural and beautiful.

I'm all for being in love and whenever I like someone, I end up pretty much completely smitten.

I'm a big fan of London in the summertime. English people are dependent on weather to change our attitudes, and, provided it's a decent summer, everyone's spirits are uplifted and the whole place is in bloom. It's a magical transformation. London in the summer, going to see bands play outside, watching football.

I can't stand watching myself on TV.

You have to do things that excite you you have to have a passion for your work. Otherwise you're just a face on the screen.

'Villain' is such a harsh word.

When I need to think of, like, a peaceful scene or something, I think of my back garden in summertime. And whenever I hear the lawnmower next door, I always think it's really peaceful.

I don't come from a famous family and don't have this detachment from everyday people and everyday life. I'm just doing my job and the attention that comes with it is part of the territory.

It's very difficult to juggle two careers, unless you're going to have someone put it all together for you. Because you're on TV, somebody just gives you a record deal - that's not how I'd want to get it, because it's just not real.

I was just doing bits and pieces of acting in the UK. I'd been in the film Breaking and Entering - Anthony Minghella gave me my start and I miss him dearly. Then I made the trip out to LA, during one of their pilot seasons, which was when they were developing Gossip Girl, and I auditioned, and things came together.

Be a good-looking corpse. Leave a good-looking tattoo.

I can pretty much live without fast food. I haven't eaten McDonald's in so long, but it's okay.

I'm a rock 'n' roll guy, really. I'm a big fan of Elvis. I got Heartbreak Hotel tattooed on my chest.

To be respected as an actor it doesn't help to be seen out in the clubs.

I don't think musicals are my thing. I'm not a big fan. Definitely have to get on the stage and do something like a straight play.