Quotes

[2014] My heritage is really strange. I think I'm one sixteenth Indian. I'd love to do "Who Do You Think You Are?"

[2016] [on his passionate fan base] [The fans] have been amazing actually. They're a really supportive group of people. They've been fantastic and they've seen everything I've done, really. They've also made me some amazing rubber bracelets for each project that I've done since EastEnders (1985), which is really sweet. I've been touched by their support and I'm really grateful.

[2010] [on being asked if he watches himself on TV] I watched some of the New Year's wedding episodes [of EastEnders (1985)] with my mum and twin sister and I was absolutely dreading it because we don't get to see them beforehand. I've done emotional stuff before but nothing that massive so I was petrified. I was also very nervous watching it with my family but they were in floods of tears half way through.

[2010] [on how he stumbled into acting] I went to see my sister as Tiger Lily in Peter Pan when I was about six and I loved it. I enrolled in acting classes and then I actually did do quite a few shows with the Royal Shakespeare Company up until I was 16, which was brilliant. They've never had me back since, though!

[2016] When I left EastEnders (1985), I really wanted to get back into theatre because I don't like being away from any medium for too long. I think it's important to keep dipping your toe in and out of everything, otherwise you get rusty and you're not prepared for when it finally does happen. I think if I'd done 10 years on EastEnders, I'd have been dreading the stage, so it's been good to keep my foot in both camps.

[2012] [on playing a gay Muslim character in EastEnders (1985)] Playing Syed meant I've had loads of letters from people of all religions coming to terms with their sexuality. That's what I am proud of most, portraying a normal, loving gay relationship. That's quite an important thing, it's normalizing it, two men being affectionate with each other. And when someone tells you they've found the strength to tell their parents, you feel proud.

[2010] I was a barman for a year before I played Syed [in EastEnders (1985)]. I worked in this private members' club called 2 Brydges in London. I loved working there and I used to dip in and out in-between acting jobs.

[2010] My first [acting] job was as the male lead in a touring version of Romeo and Juliet that played outdoors. We had to carry all our own costumes, props and even the scenery. And you know what British summers are like. We did quite a few shows during thunderstorms. At one point, Juliet was convulsing with the cold when Romeo was supposed to think she was dead. I thought 'Nobody is going to believe that!' I've done quite a bit of theatre and a few TV shows, including The Bill (1984), Holby City (1999) and Inspector Lewis (2006), but EastEnders (1985) is definitely the biggest thing I've been in so far. I don't think I got the part due to my talent. I was just in the right place at the right time and I feel very grateful to have been given this wonderful opportunity.

[2017] [on playing a villain in Holby City (1999)] I loved being able to play someone totally different [from Syed in EastEnders (1985)] and somebody whose mindset, I can assure you, is nothing like mine. I definitely have empathy, I swear! [...] Hopefully we've tackled the subject of domestic abuse really delicately and sensitively. I hope the story has a real impact because it's an interesting and important one. And, of course, what we've shown is that domestic violence happens across the board and that anyone can be a victim regardless of sexuality or gender.

[2014] I'm obsessed with horror films and strong female characters.

[2018] [on the most valuable lesson he learned as an actor] If in doubt, always go with your instinct. And if you're feeling frightened for whatever reason, just remember that whoever you're acting with is probably just as terrified but maybe better at hiding it.

[2019] I think it's important to increase representation across the board on television [...] I think more representation - disabled people, people from different cultures and ethnicities, and all sorts. Yeah, I think everybody needs to be represented. People need to see themselves on screen, because I think it's important to not feel alienated.

[2019] I think [social media] is used for two things, self-promotion and stalking. Neither of which I'm particularly into.