‘Welcome, Tom, to our “Talking With” feature. Let’s get started. What do you like doing in your spare time?’
‘I find cooking relaxing, and I love to read. I run quite a lot but that’s more about keeping fit than for pleasure.‘
‘Who is your celebrity crush?’
‘I’m not sharing that with you, you might tell them.’ (Laughs)
‘Are you single, or….’
‘I’m single.’
‘Dating?’
‘Still single.’ (Laughs again)
‘Okay, we hear you! How would someone get your attention?’
‘That’s an interesting question. I’d say by being themselves and understanding I’m not like the characters I’ve played.’
‘That’s a good answer, Tom. So what would you say has been your best or worst date?’
‘My worst date was in LA and with a person with whom I had very little in common. She was lovely but not for me. I might not have had my best date yet, I’m hoping it might be in Paris. Watch this space …‘
‘Interesting! If you were changing your name, what would you choose?’
‘It wouldn’t be Richard Harrington, that’s for sure! He was a brilliant character to play and he still goes everywhere with me. I’ve always liked Arthur because it was my grandfather’s name but I don’t think it would suit me.‘
‘What’s your biggest pet peeve?
‘I’d probably say people assuming I’m always about to whip off my shirt on television. It was just the one series when I did that and I had no idea it would be quite so popular. Can’t think why.’ (winks).
‘Is that right?’ (laughs). ‘So what’s your most annoying habit?’
‘Just the one? I can think of a few! I guess overthinking things can get tiresome and I’m learning not to.’
Sounds like a work in progress, Tom, like most of us. Would you say that you ever get used to being a celebrity?’
‘In a way. I’ve learned to live with a certain amount of attention, and I try not to take everything that comes with it too seriously. I hope I’m always nice to people when I meet them.’
‘Who in your life has inspired you or had the most influence on your career?’
‘I very much doubt I would have had the career I did without my first drama teacher, he was brilliant and encouraged me to aim way beyond where I ever thought I could. I always find kindness and a willingness to help others inspirational’.
‘That’s a lovely answer, Tom. So can you speak any other languages?’
‘Does a bit of Italian count? I learned for a part but didn’t manage to keep it up.’
‘Can you share something in Italian now? Sorry, we’re putting you on the spot.’
‘Let’s see.’ (Pauses). ‘How about piacere di conoscerti? It means nice to meet you.’
‘Well.’ (Laughs). ‘You’re also known for your beautiful voice, Tom, and it’s really quite something, hearing you speak in Italian.’
‘Let’s not go there!’
‘We hear you! Is there a country you’d like to visit and haven’t done yet?’
‘I’ve been fortunate to travel a lot during my career, but I’ve never been to Vietnam and I’d love to go. The landscape looks incredible and the people so warm.’
‘Sounds great, we can see the appeal. So if your acting career hadn’t turned out as brilliantly as it did, what do you think you’d be up to right now?’
‘That’s a good question. Maybe running my own bookshop or working as an editor. I love being around books, there’s something timeless and magical about stories.’
‘Great answer. Who is the messiest person you know?’
‘She wouldn’t be happy if I told you! Let’s just say it’s not me.’
‘What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen or read this week?’
‘Right now I’m re-reading some of my favourite Christmas books. I read A Dickens’ A Christmas Carol every year and I’ve just started Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory, which is so charming and full of heart and pathos.’
‘We’re familiar with Dickens and we’ll have to check out the Capote book. Thanks for the tip. What would you like to be remembered for?
‘My work aside, as someone who loved and was loved. At the end, it’s all we have left.’
‘Lovely answer, Tom, so true. Would you like to pass on a message to your fans who are reading this?’
‘I’d just like to say Merry Christmas and thank you for supporting me so loyally throughout my career, especially after I played Harrington. He was a great character for me, and I do still wonder what he might be up to now. Maybe I should put pen to paper and find out for myself…’
‘That’s a very intriguing place to leave this interview, Tom! We’ll be keeping an eye out for that book if you decide to write it. Thanks for talking to us, and we wish you a Merry Christmas too.’
