I enjoyed acting at school and went to an acting workshop for kids in Nottingham. It was twice a week after school and free to go to - ITV subsidised it. Every now and again, a casting director would turn up. 'Peak Practice' became a rite of passage for us. It was the first job I had.

Joe Dempsie

It's amazing what a bit of soot and shaving can do for muscle definition, honestly.

Joe Dempsie

'Skins' had been a brilliant breeding ground for young actors, young directors and young writers. It was a safe environment to experiment; it tried new things, and it was an amazing time and amazing to be part of it.

Joe Dempsie

I still don't get stopped about anything else anywhere near as much as 'Skins.' The remarkable thing that I've noticed is how far that show has traveled: it's aired all over the world.

Joe Dempsie

That's been one of the best things about doing 'Game of Thrones.' My social circle in London has more or less doubled just by doing it because nearly everyone is based in London. And I hadn't long moved to London before doing it, so it's been really great in terms of meeting people to hang out with while I'm there.

Joe Dempsie

HBO spent a huge amount of money on 'Game Of Thrones,' and it won't be able to keep spending the money if it can't make it back from people watching it legitimately. It will have an effect on the quality of the programme.

Joe Dempsie

It's bizarre, that feeling as an actor, at being in the mecca of the film world and seeing billboards for a TV show that you're in pretty much everywhere.

Joe Dempsie

Street-casting - people like Katie Jarvis in 'Fish Tank,' spotted having a row with her boyfriend on a railway platform - has helped make actors raise their game. They have to.

Joe Dempsie

I admire actors that consistently challenge themselves and play a wide range of different roles. Every actor has a reason for being an actor... it's boring to play the same person over and over again. People like Daniel Day Lewis, who completely transform time and time again, I look up to.

Joe Dempsie

America has always fascinated me; it's a country where you can make it from one side to the other with no money, by hook or by crook.

Joe Dempsie

When I was cast as Gendry, I didn't have any of the physical attributes the part required. I was astounded that I got the role, to be honest.

Joe Dempsie

I've always been a sucker for a dog called an Alaskan Malamute. It's like a little husky... my dad had one when he was younger.

Joe Dempsie

Audiences in every medium are becoming far more savvy. No one goes to watch a Tom Cruise movie any more just because it's starring Tom Cruise.

Joe Dempsie

I enjoyed acting at school and went to an acting workshop for kids in Nottingham. It was twice a week after school and free to go to - ITV subsidised it. Every now and again, a casting director would turn up. 'Peak Practice' became a rite of passage for us. It was the first job I had.

Joe Dempsie

Audiences in every medium are becoming far more savvy. No one goes to watch a Tom Cruise movie any more just because it's starring Tom Cruise. No one gives a toss. Concept is what makes actors raise their game. Everyone's on merit now.

Joe Dempsie

There are dedicated actors and there are people now who only stay famous for putting on weight, losing it, then putting it on again.

Joe Dempsie

Concept is what makes actors raise their game.

Joe Dempsie

I suppose you've got to look like you're made of steel for nudity. You've got to get some arms on you.

Joe Dempsie

Casting young people is always so difficult, and they got it so right in 'Game of Thrones.' All the young actors are amazingly talented and so professional.

Joe Dempsie

I'm the kind of person who, if I can't get something right, I get quite frustrated with myself.

Joe Dempsie

I'm a big fan of unflinching drama and bold drama. If you shy away from dark subject matters, there's only certain places for TV drama to go. If there are shows that can break through that and be brave, those are the shows that I personally enjoy watching. I try and do work that I would watch.

Joe Dempsie