Gavin & Stacey star Mathew Horne: Life as I know it

If I could change anything about myself I’d... have a better-looking chest, mine is shaped like a barrel.

The most romantic thing anyone’s ever done for me is... nothing really. People don’t really do romantic things for me. I don’t know why. I’m single at the moment but I can be quite the romantic in relationships. When I like someone, she’ll know about it.

Not a lot of people know this but I’m very good at... football. I play whenever I have a chance. 

You may not know it but I’m no good at... skiing. It always feels like loads of effort for very little reward.

To wake myself up I... have a strong cup of tea  – white, with three sugars.

If I have time to myself I... generally see my friends and drink too much. Or I’ll go to the cinema. Since becoming single, I have to go out to occupy myself.

When I’m feeling down I... tend to wallow in it, and ask others to do the cheering up for me.

My best friend is... I haven’t had a best friend since primary school but I’ve got loads of good friends from different stages of my life.

The best thing my parents taught me... is tolerance and generosity. And not to ask too many questions.

If I can, I always try to avoid... the tube. It’s overcrowded, overheated and under cared for.

It’s not good for my image but I like... smoking. I don’t do it that much though.

My biggest influence... is my mother. Everything I do is for her.

My greatest weakness is… girls. One girl at a time of course but I am pining for someone at the moment. 

The song I can never get out of my head is... Proof by I Am Kloot.

I drive… a VW Golf Mark 1 Convertible.

When I was a child I wanted to be... a footballer, playing for Tottenham Hotspur. My dad would take me to see them as a kid.

If I could pass any law it would be… to allow 16 year olds to vote.

My proudest moment... was my mum watching me in the West End when I was in Entertaining Mr Sloane. 

The most expensive thing I’ve ever frittered money on... is a Dior duffel coat.

I know I’m having a bad hair day when I... look at my reflection.

My favourite place in Britain is… the heronry in Regent’s Park.

On my last holiday I went to… Altea, Spain, visiting a friend and it was blissful.

I am currently reading… Whatever Makes You Happy by William Sutcliffe. I’m a big fan of his work.

The best day of my life is... today.

My last meal would be... I don’t eat meat any more but as it’s my last, it’d have to be ham, egg and chips.

Mathew stars in Chekhov: Comedy Shorts, The Proposal on November 28 at 9pm on Sky Arts 2. See sky.com/arts for details.