Neil is best known as bad boy Kyle Ryder in Channel 4's Hollyoaks, which he played from 2010-2011, for which he has been nominated for 'Most Spectacular Scene' for the 'Lift Shaft' episode at the 2011 British Soap Awards. He also recently played 80's DJ icon Rusty Egan in the BBC2 drama Worried About The Boy. As he entered the show back in 2010, he gave us this exclusive interview:

How did the Hollyoaks role come about?

It was all quite a blur really as there was so much going on at the time. I had just finished in the West End with Footloose and I was preparing myself for the role of Rusty Egan for the BBC drama Worried About The Boy. My agents had been lining up a number of auditions when they called asking me to go up to Liverpool to audition for the part of bad boy Kyle. I was so caught up with everything else that before I knew it I had a call saying I had the part.

What can you tell us about Kyle?

Kyle really couldn't be more different from me. I'm bubbly, energetic and love a good laugh. I not really a fan of confrontation. Kyle is very calm with a very nasty streak! He is a very ruthless young man who is more than capable taking care of things physical. I do wish I had as much money as Kyle though!

Were you a fan of the show beforehand?

Of course! My family are huge fans of the show too and especially love the Sunday omnibus. My best friend Stephen Uppal has been in the show for 2 years so I already feel like I know lots about Hollyoaks. It's just great to be a part of it now and I'm having a great time working there. The cast and crew are fantastic and it's a really lovely working environment.

How do you find TV compared to your Film and Theatre experience?

Theatre is just so different. You often have to fill a huge theatre with your performance and you don't get a second chance if you fluff your lines. But there's an extra excitement because it's live. In contrast I love the intimacy of TV and being able to pick up or start again. I get such a buzz from filming.

How does the role of Kyle compare to roles you have played before?

Kyle is the opposite extreme to anything I have played. It's a real change and I'm loving the challenge.

Are you excited about your first episode being broadcast tonight? What are you doing?

I'm definitely looking forward to it and I know my family are also very excited. It feels a bit strange as we filmed it over 2 months ago but I'm really looking forward to the fans' reactions to Kyle. Unfortunately I won't get chance to watch tonight, but I'll definitely be watching the omnibus on Sunday