The 5-minute Interview: Shaun Williamson, Actor

'In a truer life, I'd have been a supermarket manager'

Shaun Williamson, 42, is best known as Barry Evans, a character he played in 'EastEnders'. He also appeared 'Extras'. This year, he will make his film debut in 'Daylight Robbery'

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

Doing a crossword. I'm a complete quiz geek.

A phrase I use far too often...

"Not being funny but..."

I wish people would take more notice of...

Boxing. It's never going to be as popular as football but I think it should be introduced in schools as a voluntary option. It teaches self-discipline.

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

Becoming a father. It's surprising it's happened to me as I still feel like a 20-year-old at times.

A common misperception of me is...

That I'm like Barry. Or that I actually am Barry.

I am not a politician but...

I think there are far too many speed cameras on the road. I think going at 85mph on the motorway at 2am is fine.

The ideal night out is...

Going to a pub quiz.

In moments of weakness I...

Drink. Any sort of lager.

You know me as an actor but in truer life I'd have been...

A supermarket manager. I was really lucky in that I just sort of fell into acting at the age of 27. I thought "I'll give it one more shot", and luckily I succeeded.

The best age to be is...

20 with my money, or 40 with my youth. So maybe 30. That way you've already learnt from your mistakes but you still have your fitness.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this...

Don't get trapped in a nutshell. And treat others as you wish to be treated. You can't argue with that.

Lucy Kinnear