People said, 'That's going to be around your neck for the rest of your life. I didn't have a problem with it.

To me that's the best part of the show and the best part of the business. Occasionally you are blessed with the chance to do something that people are so taken with they hold it dear.

We all sing about the things we're thinking; musicals are about expressing those emotions that you can't talk about. It works a real treat.

My first job was a musical, and I had quite an interesting and varied career in the theatre and television long before the Gold Blend ad came along. I played leads at the National Theatre and all things. The Gold Blend ad gave me a profile which meant that when I wanted to travel to Hollywood, it just gave me a foot in the door - I was a recognizable face.

There is a warmth and generosity about Giles. If I met him in person I think that is what I would be attracted to. In terms of what I enjoy about playing him - the social ineptitude, and the intellect is great fun too as I don't have one!

I've always resisted the idea of becoming a David Hasselhoff, and I hope I'm still resisting it.