Being Human Michael Socha: 'Tom is still the vampire slayer!'

Being Human returns to BBC3 on Sunday with teen werewolf Tom now a full-time member of the cast. Michael Socha, who plays the vampire-hating wolf, tells What's On TV all about Tom's new adventures...

So can you tell us some of what happens to Tom this year?
"A lot of things! And you'll see certain emotions he's not revealed before in the last series. He gets a missus, and he�s finding his way in the normal world as we know it, which is a massive struggle for him. But I think he's adapted well. There's also heartache, as he loses friends, in fact loses all sorts of people. But then he has some brilliant times and giggles which he's never had before, and I like it that he makes new friends. He also gets a love interest - and that's why he's trying to fit in more."

When we first see Tom he really wants to move into the B&B with George and Annie. It must be exciting to play such a bigger part this time around?
"I was buzzing when they told me what I'd be doing. I got the scripts and I was well happy. Tom is quite funny. There's quite a lot of comedy now, in between the pain and heartache. People will relate to him and see the funny side of him. The situations that Tom gets himself into are funny, rather than Tom being funny."

Tom and new vampire Hal (Damian Molony) are set to become Being Human's new double act, so how do you and Tom feel about Hal?
"Well I'm p****d off as I'm supposed to be the alpha male of the cast - I don't like new people coming to set looking as sexy as he is. No, of course it's wicked. It works great. The characters are the opposite of each other, but there is common ground in that they are both s**t with people. They find relating to people quite difficult - Hal more so with the blood lust. Tom just doesn't understand people. Even working in a cafe - he's never met people like that. But Hal has had more experience living 500 years - he's just decided to keep himself away. Tom hasn't, his dad decided to keep him away."

How is Tom coping without adoptive werewolf dad McNair (Robson Green), who died in the last series?
"He's sad and he misses him. I think Tom wants to be like his dad. Certain ways he acts with vampires he's learnt off his dad. I've put some traits in - let's say I can make him a bit Robsonesque."

The series also kicks off with Tom working in a cafe...how's he doing?
"He's got a job in the cafe, but he's so big on hygiene. His new vampire pal Hal, who comes to work in the cafe later on, is an OCD freak. There has to be order and a routine for Hal. Some of my favourite scenes are in the cafe with Hal."

Is Tom still big on vampire killing?
"Oh yes. He's on a bit of a quest to kill all vampires. He's the vampire slayer! But the people around him are trying to stop him as much as possible, especially ghost Annie who is desperate to get him off the vampire-killing. He's trying to adapt as much as possible. Through the people he meets, like Hal who he befriends, it's hard for him to still have that hatred. But, yes you will still see him kill vampires!

How does Tom feel towards George and Nina's baby?
"Tom loves the baby and understands how important it is to everybody. But he doesn't think there's anything special about it. He doesn't think it's the 'chosen one' or anything like that. He just thinks it's a baby."

How do you get on with Leonora, who plays ghost Annie?
"Leonora is wicked. She's amazing. She makes me laugh so much. I was intimated at first as I thought she'd be a posh actor. She's dead clever too."

You have plenty of fight scenes, do you enjoy them?
"I love doing fight scenes. If it's Tom's who's fighting so, if they let me, I will do whatever. When he's a having a scrap it's great because it breaks the routine of delivering lines. I like good old-fashioned fight scenes and put in my own stunts - there's a lot of jumping about. If I have to go down the stairs, I'll probably jump from the eighth step to keep everyone on their toes. On Wikipedia it said I've had seven injuries and yes, I do see the nurse a lot. But I do like seeing the nurse!"

Your sister Lauren has had great success as Kelly in E4's Misfits, winning a BAFTA for the role. You must be a proud big brother?
"I'm made up for Lauren. I remember coming in to my Mum and she was there with a bottle of wine and saying Lauren's on telly. I couldn't believe it. I was so proud of her. People asked are you pissed off with your sister - how could I? If I ain't doing well, I'm glad she is."

"Misfits is Misfits - people say, is she like that in real life? I say she's f*****g worse! She's 10 times worse. I'd love her to be like she is on Misfits. Life would have been easier growing up!"

And your mum must be most proud of all?
"Mum's always said why should you f***ing not have this success. From 11, I did musical theatre, which got me out of school doing rehearsals. I did work hard though. And Mum knows this, so Mum is like - why shouldn't you have this? You worked hard and did your drama and you've been knocked down lots of times. There have been ups and downs, but she keeps both me and Lauren grounded. She's a lovely lady. I love my mum."

You're now set for even more success with Being Human, topping off things nicely for the family...
"Above all Being Human is an amazing opportunity. It's the best character I've ever played and the best series I've ever been in. The hardest work I've ever had to do. I love This Is England too. All of the cast are my mates and we were a gang."