You’re not the typical sex symbol, but you attract the ladies. How does that work?
I think women see me as a project; I bend easy in the wind and can be changed and manipulated, and that’s why they’re attracted to me. They like strong men who are weak in the presence of a basque.
You have just finished shooting Libertine, a film with Johnny Depp. Was there much competition between you?
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As long as when the film comes out my eyes aren’t going: “Look Mum, look who I’m stood next to!” I’ll be happy. Obviously I bitterly resent competition with the ladies.
How do you get your body in that shape?
Lack of stress. I blame stress for more illnesses than anything, and by nature I’m not stressful. I had a medical for my latest film and passed with flying colours. Every doctor that examines me is amazed that my blood pressure is fine. I don’t count calories, but I do eat well. I went to a dietitian when I was about 18 who got me into the frame of mind of sensible eating. I lost most of my weight, went on holiday, met lots of women, which is what I was aiming for, and found out it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.
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So you’re a healthy eater?
I do very little frying, it’s only when I’m out that I eat what’s quick and available. I’ve reached a point where I want to lose weight for my health, but I’ve never been driven to do so for aesthetic reasons. I think you have to do it for yourself. If I’m at home for a week I’ll go out, do a good shop and cook fresh food.
Ever had any health scares?
I’ve had my head kicked in, which was traumatic. I spent three days in hospital with a suspected hairline fracture on the skull, but I wouldn’t call it a health scare.
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Does your health worry you?
It bothers other people more than me.
Is exercise a penance or a joy?
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I had a bike for years, but it got swiped when I moved house in St Helens, Lancashire. I’ve just bought a new one, but it was hard trying to find a normal bike — they’ve all got springs and different elements of suspension on them, which I don’t understand. I am more of a summer cyclist though.
And off the bike?
I used to skip for half an hour a day when I was younger. It’s the best exercise you can do. I’ve also bought a rowing machine but it hasn’t been unfolded — it’s still sitting in the corner of the living room mocking me.
Does the funny man have a beauty regime?
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Face packs. I used to sell Avon for my Mum; I found them quite relaxing but I don’t use them so much any more. Make-up artists tell me that I’ve got good skin and eyelashes women would die for but I’ve never consciously followed any beauty routine.
Would you give nature a helping hand?
I’d never put myself under the knife. Nature knows what it’s doing, society doesn’t, and I don’t think you should mess with your appearance just to fit in. I think confidence is one of the sexiest things going.
What’s your favourite tipple?
Guinness, or vodka and Coke. I can’t drink pints like I could when I was younger, but Guinness is good for sitting out in the beer garden in summer.
Hangover cure?
Sleep’s the best cure. Buttered bagels are also great.
What’s your poison?
Smoking’s my overriding vice, but also cheese, butter and bread. I love cheese of any kind and I totally over-butter my bread.
Ever tried giving up?
Smoking’s the one thing that I consider to be an addiction with me — I know it’s bad, but I really enjoy it. I do want to give up again. I’ve got a son now. I want to be around for him.
Do you pop any pills?
I never take medication. I rarely get sick but when I do I’m a typical bloke; nobody’s ever been as ill as me so I don’t cope very well.
Green tea or your GP?
I’m a great believer in Olbas oil and echinacea. I was a hypochondriac when I was younger and convinced that I had cancer and wouldn’t live to see 30. I realised that it was all in my mind so I stopped worrying myself to death.
Has fatherhood changed your outlook?
It’s made me aware there’s someone more important than me in my life. You discover this massive capacity for love.
What would be your epitaph?
“Return to sender”. It’s religiously ambiguous so I’m hedging my bets.