The 5-minute Interview: Patrick Baladi, Actor

'Ricky makes me look taller on TV'

Patrick Baladi, 35, endeared himself to audiences in his role as Neil Godwin, David Brent's suave new boss in the BBC series 'The Office'. Since then he has made a number of star turns including, controversially, playing Dodi Fayed in 'Diana: Last Days of a Princess'. He can currently be seen in the Westminster drama 'Party Animals', out on DVD.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Dealing with my little seven-month-old and trying to entertain her. She likes The Simpsons, and also all the usual nonsense such as blowing raspberries at me.

A common misperception of me is...

That I'm talented. Also, people always think that I'm taller than I am in real life. I think Ricky Gervais had a lot to do with that he made me look tall by being such a short-arse himself.

I wish people would take more notice of...

Manners I feel like people are going to start ripping each other apart very soon. Customer service is awful. People hardly look you in the eye, let alone be polite.

A phrase I use far too often is...

They're not phrases, but I do say "definitely" and "safe".

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

Being bombed by America in Libya when I was there visiting my dad.

I'm good at...

Blagging. I met a producer for a job recently, and when I got the role she said I was such a blagger. I replied: "Well that's my job, isn't it?"

I'm bad at...

Finances and dealing with my mail. I feel that as a creative person it should be someone else's responsibility, which often gets me into trouble.

The ideal night out is...

Obviously with the new arrival I haven't had many recently, but it would involve really good food. A nice Italian restaurant followed by a few cocktails, and that's plenty for me.

I am not a politician but...

I might become one I could see myself getting involved in politics some day. Global warming is obviously an issue of great importance.

I'm an actor but in another life I'd have been...

I'd like to say a doctor, but I'm not bright enough. I think probably a painter.

In moments of weakness I...

Gorge. I eat rubbish food such as chocolate and crisps in particular.

The best age to be is...

I reckon early 30s for a bloke you're on the way to being a man, but you still have some youthful energy left.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is...

Enjoy today as much as you possibly can.

Toby Green