Quotes from Russell Tovey

Brits are cool at the moment. We've taken over the world, what with 'Game of Thrones', 'Downton Abbey', One Direction... to be British is to be fashionable.

I've got really good friends and family. My parents, after 30 years, are still incredibly in love, still make each other laugh, which is a beautiful thing to see. And my brother and his fiance are completely happy, so if I feel a bit lonely, I just go and sit with them and feel their love.

I think if I met Frank Auerbach or Jeff Koons, I'd be more wobbly than if I met Robert De Niro!

I'm slightly obsessed with drag queens and performers. Their quips and their one-liners, their style, their singing... I find it fascinating. And thoroughly entertaining. I'd love to play one.

My big advert was for ketchup. I come home from school, cook my brother and sister their dinner, ride my bike in the garden. Remember that one? People cried at that advert. It won awards. I was 12.

Romantically, in my head, I'm Rambo, but if someone's shouting at me, I get adrenalin shakes and go red. When I'm really low, I have a good cry.

'Only Fools and Horses' was just one of those shows that could keep on going and going, that excited me. 'Hartbeat with Tony Hart' and 'Rolf's Cartoon Club' were my huge favourites, though. I used to love drawing and always sent work in to the show.

Alan Bennett is a starmaker; he's the Simon Cowell of the theatre world! He's a beautiful, beautiful man: completely humble and so accessible.

In New York, the trains run all night, and the cabs are so cheap.

I love musicals - that's probably one of my most gay traits: that's one of my giveaways!

I think a part of me romantically thinks it would be amazing to learn to dance or ice skate, but in reality, I don't think it would be beneficial to my career.

I'd love the career of Julie Walters. As a man.

I think it's quite limiting to do a soap.

I love my personal life and having a social life. And I didn't ever want to have to compromise.

I've been so involved with TV shows, I've been unavailable for films, which is my dream.

I auditioned for the role of Jamie Mitchell in 'EastEnders,' and it was between me and Jack Ryder, and he got it.

I get letters and messages on Twitter saying I've become a bit of a role model, which is wonderful.

I am a bit O.C.D. I have a colour-coordinated bookcase. The books are arranged by the colour of the spine. It looks cool, but people come in and think I am slightly mental.

When I was younger, I had terrible skin... my mother has terrible skin. Male-pattern hair loss is starting to come in... my dad is bald. It's so unfair; my brother's tall, has perfect skin, great hair, but I'm like the runt.

I get told a lot that I'm kind of carving my own path. That there are not many actors who are out and are able to play straight and gay, and everyone's OK with it.

Being an uncle brings me utter joy.

Sci-fi fans are the best fans you can have. You could be doing the worst piece of tat which might have a robot or vampire in, and some people will become obsessed by it and know every little detail. 'Being Human' has crossed over from sci-fi fans to being a drama that everyone can enjoy.

Every character I play is straight, which is unique, my agent says, because it's not really been done before that someone who is completely out is able to play straight roles.

If I hadn't gone into acting, then I would have perhaps become an animator.