'My dream role would be winning the lottery!'

Actor Larry Lamb on his lucky career, reality show stints and what he does to stay healthy

- JULIE ANN

Most of us will know him as 'evil' Archie Mitchell in EastEnders, or avuncular Mick Shipman from the smash hit sitcom Gavin & Stacey.

Yet Larry Lamb has enjoyed a glittering career spanning over four decades, including parts in the prestigious West End, and in productions such as Hamlet.

'People just know me from the TV, but I've had 40 years working in the theatre. Roles that most people have no idea that I've done. I've been very lucky, I've done a lot of wonderful plays,' he says.

Debating the contrast between theatre and television, Lamb says, 'Theatre is much, much harder,' without any hesitation.

'There's no comparison. It's not about one take - it's about being out on a tightrope with nothing but sharks underneath. It's different entirely,' he claims.

The 76-year-old actor hails from north London, but now divides his time between the UK and Normandy, France.

Back in the UK capital for a rare night out on the town, at the Action for Children Starry Night Gala, he's in good spirits.