When I left EastEnders, I could have earned an absolute fortune from sexy calendars, shoots for lads' mags, fitness videos and reality shows. But I always turned them down.
Working on new projects gives you the opportunity to learn and absorb new things.
I like to hang out with my friends, go to the theatre, watch DVDs, read, play with my niece.
Soaps are a great springboard for any actor but if you want to be taken seriously, you have to be careful.
