The 5-Minute Interview: Ray Fearon, Actor

'Don't forget to smell the flowers'

The former 'Coronation Street' and 'Strictly Come Dancing' star Ray Fearon, 39, has been cast in 'A Soldier's Fortune' at The Young Vic which starts on 16 February. He is supporting the British Heart Foundation's Doubt Kills billboard campaign featuring a man with a belt tightening around his chest

I am supporting the campaign because...

My father died from a heart attack. He was the sort of person who wouldn't complain. The symptoms are not heavy - a bit of chest pain, arm strain or indigestion. People ignore those symptoms because they think its trivial. Don't feel afraid to come forward.

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

Watching a screening of Dreamgirls. I'm a member of Bafta so I vote in all the films that come up for the academy awards.

I wish people would take more notice of...

Nature. On your journey don't forget to smell the flowers. Take time out to notice that you're alive. You can only live in one day.

A phrase I use far too often...

At the end of the day.

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

When I knew that I was going to be a father with my ex-partner.

A common misperception of me is...

I am too serious. My facial expression gives that impression. Isn't it annoying when your face doesn't do what you want it to express?

I'm good at...

Listening.

I'm very bad at...

Approaching women.

The ideal night out is...

Dinner, good company. I love the cinema. Salsa.

The best age to be is...

The age you're at.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this:

Yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery so don't piss on today.

Elisa Bray