QUICKFIRE with actor Danny Mac

Actor and Strictly finalist Danny Mac on feng shui, frustrating phones and faffing about

Guilty pleasure? Any song by One Direction – or a pizza. Where is home? I was born in Bromley and grew up in Bognor Regis, but at the moment I live wherever work takes me. I hope to find somewhere permanent soon. Career plan B? To be an even busier actor. Who would play you in a movie of your life? Tom Hardy would make me cooler than I could possibly imagine. Biggest bugbear? People using their phones in the theatre or cinema, whether I’m on stage or in the audience. As a child you wanted to be… A Power Ranger or superhero. Earliest memory? Sitting at my grandparents’ dinner table in Southeast London. Secret to a happy relationship? Honesty. Most of all, you have to be honest with yourself about your feelings. Your best quality? My optimism. And your worst? I waste too much time faffing about. Most romantic thing you’ve ever done? Propose to my fiancée [actress Carley Stenson] in Laguna Beach in California on my 28th birthday last year. She was gobsmacked. Last meal on earth? A big platter of barbecued meat. Dream dinner-party guests? As many family members as possible, from my grandparents onwards. It would be a big gathering – my nan is one of 12. Advice to teenage self? Do more, read more, think less. Cat or dog? I love all animals and have two cockapoos, Barney and Bailey, who live with my mum. What do you see when you look in the mirror? An eight-year-old dreamer who’s travelled a long way from boyhood in Bognor Regis. Career highlight? Since getting into drama school, which was a dream come true, my career has been a series of highlights – from starring in my first stage musical and joining Hollyoaks, to being on Strictly last year. Best memories of Strictly? Performing the cha cha on the first live show was brilliant, and by the time I did the samba towards the end of the series, I felt I’d achieved so much. I think I’ve had a more positive reaction from people because I didn’t win than if I had won. Starstruck moment? Bumping into Ben Affleck at the BBC when he was on his way to an interview with Graham Norton. Favourite tipple? An old fashioned, which is a whisky-based cocktail. Hangover cure? If I’m trying to be good, a walk in the fresh air and a swim. Otherwise, a spicy bloody mary and a couple of pints of Guinness. Top of your bucket list? Skydiving, even though I’m terrified at the thought. Secret skill? I’m into feng shui and have to rearrange furniture if I’m not happy with it. One thing that would make your life better? A place to call home. Philosophy? Carpe diem – seize the day. Where would you time travel to? The golden age of Hollywood. First record you bought? ‘Pop Ya Collar’ by Usher. Most extravagant purchase? My Land Rover Freelander 2, which I love. But I do so much driving that buying it has absolutely justified itself. Your biggest regret? I don’t do regrets. Biggest fear? Regretting things. Celebrity crush? Sienna Miller. Happiness is… A well-earned day off surrounded by my dogs and family. Danny will star in On The Town at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London, from 19 May to 1 July; openair theatre.com