I'm a sucker for turquoise sea, white beaches and palm trees. I've been to the tropics every year since I could afford it. It's the perfect place to unwind. I can chill out, read, do a bit of yoga.

In America they like my spicy TV alter ego, probably because there were a lot of Italians and Hispanics in the country, but the real L.A. life is a hard-working one.

Once I moved to London I thought it was unbeatable. I work a lot in L.A. and love it, but would never give up London. It's a true world city, with an energy that's unique.

In reality, nobody gets successful in America by being lazy.

Before a long-haul flight, buy yourself a cheap, big, comfortable pillow. It makes a huge difference.

Dad was a bus driver, and when he finished work he would repair cars.

I am a simple man.

I am down-to-earth and not one of those starry, up-their-own-butt celebrities.

I eat well, but I don't believe in diets.

I like to read about subjects unrelated to my work, especially history.

I look after myself. I train and go to the gym.

I love contemporary art, although I wouldn't want a pickled shark in my house.

I love reading. I'm very much into history, novels, biographies and I have a wide range of thrillers.

I love to cook.

I started dancing before I could talk. Other babies learn to stand and then walk - I just danced.

I think a lot of people have a vision of L.A. in which TV executives and movie directors plan their latest productions by the swimming pool.

I'm with people all the time so I often go away on my own.

I've been in love with the cinema since childhood and it's a fantasy of mine to appear in a Hollywood movie.

If I had a place with a studio where I could paint I'd be happy.

It's horrible how money and fame can make you acceptable while, if you're not famous or rich, you're not acceptable.