Man of the moment

Known for playing the bad guy, the 40-year-old is switching gears and playing his first romantic film lead in Fisherman’s Friends

daniel mays

Daniel lives in London with his wife, make-up artist Louise Burton, and their two children, Mylo and Dixie.

My earliest memories… I grew up in Essex and my childhood was kind of sports mad to begin with. My dad is an electrician to this day, and my mum was a bank cashier and she’s now my dad’s secretary – we weren’t particularly well off, but my dad was very hardworking and provided for us. As one of four boys, you had to shout to be heard, but home was really loving and supportive.

My rise to fame… I always knew I was going to do performing in some sort of capacity. I was always jumping around, doing impressions, trying to make people laugh. I was the class clown. I mean, I’ve got two older brothers and a younger brother, so to a degree it was sort of middlechild syndrome. This led on to stage school and eventually drama school.

My career highlight… I started out in Mike Leigh films, so they’re really important to me as they shaped me into the actor I am. I’d say Line of Duty is up there. Although it was only one episode, I got a BAFTA nomination for it. Mrs Biggs stands out as well. I’m a great believer that you’re only as good as your last job, so I’m always trying to grow as an actor. In a way, the best is yet to come!

My significant others… The older I get the more I value family time. Acting can be all-consuming and you have characters rolling around in your head, so you need that time with your loved ones. Over Christmas, we went to Lapland and it was the best holiday I’ve ever had. Mylo is 13, so I thought he’s not going to want to do this stuff when he’s older.

My new role in Fisherman’s Friends… I’ve played my fair share of bad guys, so this role was refreshing. I play a cynical music executive, who has given his whole life to his career. Unwittingly, he falls in love with a girl in the village, and is charmed with the community surroundings. It’s very idyllic.

Fisherman’s Friends is out on 15 March.