What sort of character is Vinnie?

He’s a bit of a charmer, with a lot of old-fashioned values. He’s one for politeness and good manners and he treats women nicely. He’s not the sort of bloke that would do anyone an injustice.

What makes him tick?

He hasn’t got a tick! Seriously though, something about Shirley fascinates him. He’s a bit of a womaniser, Vinnie, and she’s a real hard nut to crack. I think that’s what appeals to him. They’ve got a chemistry, and even though I’ve been doing it only a few weeks, I have a lovely chemistry with Linda who plays Shirley.

Do you think he’s got a chance with Shirley?

At the moment he’s got more chance of being handcuffed to a ghost. In the future the invitation comes up, but he does the honourable thing. He’s very much the gentleman.

Vinnie’s been compared to Alfie Moon, do you think they're alike?

A little bit maybe. Shane and I are big pals, we go back 20 years. We have the same sort of background and that’s probably why comparisons are being made. I don’t like that idea because Shane was such a good asset to the show. It puts a lot of pressure on me.

Are you enjoying playing Vinnie?

I love the part and I’m learning. I’m still trying not to look straight at the camera, that’s the entertainer in me! He gave me some great advice Shane, he told me to listen to the other actors and to learn your lines properly. That has helped so far.

Are there any similarities between you and Vinnie?

He’s a very sensitive bloke is Vinnie, so he’s similar to me in that sense. He’s a bit scared of commitment, scared of getting hurt.

Have you based him on anyone?

When I did impressions I used to learn the characters and copy them, but finding my own character is much more difficult. I have to model it on someone, so I model him on a friend of mine, David, and also on Vince from Just Good Friends.

What’s it been like for you moving from doing comedy to soap?

Pretty scary. You wouldn’t think that of someone who could stand up in front of thousands of people every night. Everyone here is such a good actor, and I’ve never really acted before. It is a skill that you have to learn. I’m enjoying learning the trade.

There have been times in the early part of my filming where I have been very comfortable and confident in front of the camera, and there have been other times where I’ve been a bit nervous, or I’ve fluffed a line.

How did you land the role?

Barbara Windsor suggested that I come in and have an audition. It’s through her really that I got this chance. Even she was telling me that she was terrified when she was in the Vic for the first time. Funnily enough I was thrown straight into the Vic to do a scene.

Are you enjoying working in TV again?

I’ve really missed it. I missed the creative side of it, and seeing the finished product. This is so exciting for me. I want to go in and really work hard and see myself get better. I’m getting better already. I’m relaxing and having fun.

Have you settled in to Walford?

I have, yes. It’s like a family. I never realised what it would be like. Everyone has just been fantastic.

Who’s your favourite EastEnders character?

I liked Alfie because Shane’s my mate. I liked the character that Billy Murray did. They’re the ones I watched. I think Dot’s great and Peggy too, of course. I liked the Mitchell brothers and the things that they got up to.

Can you do an impression of any of them?

I used to do Lofty many years ago!

How would you like Vinnie’s character to develop in the future?

I like there to be a lot of passion and emotion. I want him to experience anger and sadness, love, sexiness and laughter. I don’t want him to be a depressing character. If he could be half as successful as Alfie Moon then I’d be well chuffed.