‘Hollyoaks’ newcomer Joe McGann is "very much an eco-warrior".
The 61-year-old actor – who has joined the soap as sinister Edward Hutchinson – wants to "do something about climate change", and says he would much rather be at one with nature than sat in front of the television.
He said: "I am a very keen walker and an advocate for being outdoors, and in nature for reasons of mental health, for connection with our food and the land.
"I’m very much an eco-warrior, and I’m a passionate believer that we need to do something about climate change.
"You’re most likely to find me outdoors than sitting front of a TV."
The soap star – who described his miniature Dachshund Minnie as a "surrogate child" now that his daughter has grown up – is also fascinated by "the science and biology of mind".
He explained: "I am extremely interested in science, particularly the science and biology of mind, and how we think.
"That tends to be my hobby I suppose, I read very little fiction and I stay away from the news so I’m reading more about memory, consciousness, and the way that we get from being a chemical soup to whole human beings."
Joe has settled into life on set after joining ‘Hollyoaks’ earlier this year with his debut as villainous Edward set to come on tonight’s (18.10.19) first-look episode on E4.
Asked how he’s found his time on the show so far, he said: "What’s not to like? It’s a very good working atmosphere here. Everybody is professional and courteous.
"Production is about putting out fires a lot of the time, and everybody here does it with a good grace. I’m revelling in the fact that the working atmosphere is so good."