[Water Lily]

Part 7



12 April 2001



It is thought that if one leaves the country of their birth after the age of 2, they keep that accent. How is it that yours has changed after 12 years of living in Berlin?



I was brought up by English speaking parents who are both fluent in German but we spoke English around the house generally. Most of my pals were from the army forces who were stationed in the barracks at the time.

Most regiments moved after 4 years so I only made friends for 4 years. I think that was why I got into acting 'cos it was something I could take with me and also why I am able to mimic lots of people as from a young age I hung around with Irish, English, German, Scottish...lots of different sounding people.



When I came back to England, Manchester I was trying hard as most kids do to fit in....first lesson...try to sound similar to your potential freinds. The last thing a twelve year old boy needs at a new school is an accent that sounds alien. I learnt that in about 2 hours.



If you could be in a remake of a film, which film would it be and what part would you play?



I have strongly identified with Richard from The Beach, Will from Good Will Hunting, Billy from Kes and as you guys already know, cried my heart out to Billy Elliot like a little boy who has lost his bag of sweets down the drain.

But I would love to play Johnny boy in a remake of Mean Streets...awesome.



What's the funniest thing that has happened during filming of LOTR?



I had 2 nights at Orlando's house that I CAN'T go into where Orli and I laughed for about three hours straight. I thought I was going to have to be sedated!!!



But probably the funniest thing that happened while filming...first day...FIRST DAY on set...the 4 Hobbits have to fall down a hill...as we land...the Woodster lets out a...not so silent emission from a place usually not spoken of...Billy and I laughed until I nearly had a hernia.



Also, I must say, the nine of us together is always hilarious. And Mr Boyd and I are in the midst of writing something funnier then a penguin playing a banjo.



As a Manchester United Supporter what is your greatest moment in the clubs history, was it the Champions League win?



Without a doubt doing the treble. I was in a bar in France working on Monsignor Renard...I lost my voice and could not talk for the next day...I would say the happiest I have ever been in my life...and my mates phoned me from outside old Trafford...and twenty or so guys all sang...ONE DOM MONAGHAN THEIRS ONLY ONE DOMINIC MONAGHAN...it was special.

(NB correct me if I'm wrong, the "treble" refers to Man U being the first club in history to win the English Premiership, FA Cup and European Cup all in one season 98/99 - Sharon)



If you had three wishes what would they be?



Well if it's for fun...I would say...able to fly...turn into any animal...and think of a good third wish!