What is your earliest memory?

Inherent happiness and joy, with my mum and dad and my little brother Dean. In our two-up, two-down back in Oldham, we’re on the carpet, just playing, cuddling and wrestling, like a mini Royal Rumble. It was all really affectionate, and I’m like that with my own kids now.

Who was or still is your mentor?

My dad, first and foremost. The best advice he’s ever given me is “always do right by people”. There’s an integrity there, an honesty. Work ethic is a big thing for him: if you say you’re going to do the job, you do the job and hopefully overdeliver. You treat people with the honesty and compassion and respect that they deserve, and that you would like yourself

How fit are you?

There was a time when I was very fit. Since having twins, approaching two years ago, I’m the unfittest I’ve ever been. The physicality of my day job requires me to be active — I feel fit and able. But I’ve not been to the gym or run a marathon for two years. And it’s absolutely worth it.

Tell me about an animal you have loved.

We moved to the farm three years ago — we didn’t even have a dog then. I’ve got hundreds of sheep now. If Ginger, our dog, wasn’t here, there’d be something missing. Pets have personality, whereas with farm animals you’re less able to clock that. It’s love in a different way. I have a deep respect and understanding and appreciation for all of them.

Risk or caution, which has defined your life more?

Moving to a farm, with a family, having never farmed before: regardless of what due diligence you’ve done or your plan, it’s a risk. I chose to be an actor, and as a second profession I’ve chosen farming — that should demonstrate my appetite for risk. Risk gives you an adventure

What trait do you find most irritating in others?

Not listening. I say “If you’ll just let me finish . . . ” a lot

What trait do you find most irritating in yourself?

Pressing my snooze button

What drives you on?

A sense of responsibility. First to my children, my wife, my family. Beyond that, to live by good principles and demonstrate good values. I’ve been gifted a life. I have to live it to its fullest, with gratitude

Do you believe in an afterlife?

I believe in heaven. After this life, there is somewhere else we go. It comes down to my Christian faith, ultimately

Which is more puzzling, the existence of suffering or its frequent absence?

Its frequent absence. Suffering is fundamentally there. I trust that some things are beyond my comprehension, which makes it easier to accept

Name your favourite river

The Dane runs through the Peak District, past our farm. And there’s a Kelvin in Scotland, though I’ve never visited it — perhaps I should.

What would you have done differently?
I’d have gone into the corporate world. I’m intrigued by “suits” in whatever industry — hearing that a CEO watches Emmerdale makes them so much more relatable — and I’m fascinated by how those industries work. It comes down to people. I feel I’d have had a successful run. If you can work people out, then you can get the deal done.