Quotes from Samantha Barks

When I was growing up in the Isle of Man with ambitions of being a performer, I really wanted to go to see a Broadway show.

I've looked after my money. As I started working around my third birthday, my first check went straight to the bank.

I like to walk around Central Park and take in the vibe, have a picnic if the weather is good, and people-watch.

The day you stop learning and creating must be the most boring day.

I never have celebrity crushes.

I grew up on such a small island, and professional theater seemed so far away. I never, ever thought I'd get so lucky to be appearing in movies.

One of my favourite eateries is Beechers Cheese Shop, which does the most incredible toasties.

It's important to be able to keep things fresh, no matter what age you are, or how many years you've been in the industry.

The red carpet is kind of a surreal experience. There's nothing normal about it, so for me the most important thing is to maintain some normality right until the point you get out of the car.

I began with dance, doing ballet at 3, then tap, jazz, modern. Then I sang in church choirs, learned how to play clarinet and drums, sang with rock bands and only then did I get into musical theatre.

I'm always at my fittest when I'm doing a show - even when you're not on stage, you are running around backstage doing quick changes.

I like to scare myself and throw myself off the deep end.

I've looked after my money. As I started working around my third birthday, my first check went straight to the bank.

I love all things Christmas.

The red carpet is kind of a surreal experience. There's nothing normal about it, so for me the most important thing is to maintain some normality right until the point you get out of the car.

I can't comprehend that I'm in the film of 'Les Miserables.' It's one of those dreams I thought would be unattainable for someone like me, who came from nowhere.

The day you stop learning and creating must be the most boring day.

I've always loved music and loved recording.

I grew up on a tiny little island.

I just sing the songs that people don't expect you to sing, because I just love having fun at karaoke and I'm always a bit nervous to sing something serious.

I'd love to be a 'Bond' girl.

If I wasn't performing, I wasn't alive. That's the truth. My parents had absolutely no interest in the business, but they knew it made me happy, so they said 'Go for it, girl!'

I love all things Christmas.

There's nothing like the buzz of live theater. You put it out there and receive an instant reaction: laughing, crying, yelling, applauding.