How did you get the part of Lee Hunter?

I originally auditioned for the part of Dan Hunter, about two months prior to the audition of Lee. They sent me away after a quick look at me. I understand now why, but it was a bit painful at the time!

Two months later I got a phonecall and went straight up for the part of Lee Hunter. The rest of the people there at the audition had already auditioned for the part of Lee.

Then it was a bit like Popstars; down to 24, down to seven, down to three, down to two and then I got the phonecall when I got home! Bit of an eventful day really!

How did you feel about joining something as well known as HOLLYOAKS?

Well, to be honest, I think for someone like myself HOLLYOAKS is the best show to be on. Although it's not as watched perhaps as Coronation Street or EastEnders, for someone of my age the content of the character will be far greater in HOLLYOAKS than in any of those other soaps.

I was thrilled to bits really. I already knew Matt Littler (Max) and Kelly Greenwood (Zara) since I was about 14, so I've always kept an eye on the show! I was absolutely delighted when I got the part!

How did you get into acting in the first place?

I've always really enjoyed acting at senior school, and my drama teacher knew my mum, out of school. One day they were talking and my mum said, "So, how's Alex getting on at drama?", "Yeah, he's really good" she replied. My teacher then informed me of some workshops to go to, so I started going when I was about 14. I think thats quite a late age to get into it. There are a lot of six-year-olds now doing adverts and things, so I think I've been quite fortunate since I was 14.

Were you already a fan of HOLLYOAKS before you joined the show?

I watched it, but I wasn't a massive fan.

I was a bit bitter, because I had got down to the last two for a part about four years ago. I was up for the role of Darren Osborne - Ruth's brother. So when you've been for a part and they've gone for someone else its always a bit hard to enjoy the show afterwards!

I've always watched it though, and obviously I have enjoyed it. I've always known what the characters were up to but it's only recently that its become my favourite show!

What was it like walking onto the set for the first time?

It was a really good feeling, 'cos I'd not done any acting for about 18 months.

The last thing I did was a bit on Coronation Street, and that was only a few lines, so erm, its just a really good feeling to finally say the words and to meet everyone. Once youve got the job you can relax to an extent.

The difficullt part is going to the auditions and trying to show everyone that you're the best for the part. But it's brilliant - it's a brillant feeling when you walk onto the set, knowing all your lines!

How do you get on with your on-screen family?

I get on really well with the guys who play my on-screen parents - they're really nice and a good laugh. Same goes for Andy McNair who plays Dan, although I've not had that many scenes with him really and when we do we always seem to be arguing! He's a good laugh too. And Gemma Atkinson (Lisa), shes great.