5 MINUTES WITH...

Mark Benton, 51, stars as Oliver Cromwell in Comedy Central’s Drunk History on 26 April. He talks showbiz pals and reality shows

ou’ve starred in TV faves such as Y Waterloo Road and Strictly Come Dancing – and last year you acted alongside A-list royalty Hugh Jackman in the movie Eddie The Eagle... When someone is a massive star – as Hugh is – you think, “Oh God, they’re not going to talk to me,” and you get a bit nervous. But Hugh was the loveliest man. He didn’t have an entourage and was so down to earth. Did you get to meet him properly? Not during the initial read-through. I had to leave early and he was on the phone at the time, so I just kind of slunk past. But on my first day on set, he bounded over and gave me a big hug – apologising for not getting to talk before. He was great fun to work with and immediately put everyone at ease. He’s a proper actor. You starred in as teacher Daniel Chalk for three years, but we loved you best for doing Strictly in 2013… I really believe my year (competing alongside the likes of Ben Cohen, Deborah Meaden, Abbey Clancy and Susanna Reid) was the best. There were no reality TV stars; everyone on it had a real job, a talent. Not that I’m putting anyone down – just nobody was on it looking to be famous. I’m still in touch with a lot of people. Would you do another show like that? I’ve been asked to get involved in a lot, but so far I’ve declined gracefully. I want to do surprising things. I’ve always loved being an actor rather than a celebrity. I did Strictly because it’s a lovely show and you learn to do something. People still come up to me and say: “I loved your dancing.” It’s such a buzz.