Being Human's Michael Socha kept acting 'secret'

Being Human star Michael Socha has revealed he kept his acting career a secret at school - as it did not fit in with his image.

The 24-year-old - who plays werewolf teenager Tom in the fourth series of the show, which begins on BBC Three on Sunday - said that he began doing amateur dramatics at night when he was at school after his drama teacher recommended it, but kept quiet about it.

"I couldn't do it at school because I had a bit of a reputation to keep. I couldn't be 'Michael the drama boy', I had to be 'Michael the cool boy smoking fags and kissing girls'," he said.

Michael added that it was a while before he finally came clean. "I don't think my mates understood it. They'd all be having scraps with another local gang in the park," he admitted. "One minute I'm with them and the next I'd be singing in jazz shoes."

However despite becoming something of a heartthrob when he made his debut in the last series Michael - who is set to move from a supporting to a leading role this time around - said he would not allow the attention to go to his head.

It's very easy to get carried away with compliments but it can make you arrogant," he said.

"I'm aware of how fickle this industry is so I don't think I'll ever have an attitude or act like a diva. To act for a living is a gift and understanding you're a lucky bloke keeps your feet on the ground."