Christmas in LA

From Brookie to Beverly Hills, the 31-year-old is currently starring in new US supernatural TV drama "Pushing Daisies".

What do you think of the city?

"It used to scare me when I came out for meetings. You've got to sign six-year contracts - but this one I couldn't refuse. If you want to suceed and do the big stuff, you have to move there."

What's it like living in LA?

"It almost feels liek you're on holiday - except that you have to go to work. But even so, it's a much healthier lifestyle and the weather makes such a difference".

What do you do to relax?

"I like to cook and play with Gracie (her two-year-old daughter with David Thewlis). Most Sundays, David & I hire bikes in Malibu and ride down the beach."

What do you miss about home?

I miss my mum and dad massively. I've never , ever not had a Christmas at home with my parents and LA seems the wrong environment for it. There are sleighs andSantas, but you're in the desert! They should make Santa wear a Hawaiian shirt or something"

What would be your ideal Christmas present ?

"Extravagant things that you wouldn't normally buy every day. I'm liking my pens at the minute - I've a posh Montblanc highlighter for my script!"

Pushing Daisies will be on ITV1 in the new year.