TINCHY STRYDER!

Tell us about the new Halfords BMX sessions.

Yeah man! When I was younger I was always on my BMX and the whole idea of having young kids out and about in skateparks appealed to me. Kids at that age, like between 9-14, are always up for trying new things so getting them riding bikes and learning new tricks is something they pick up very quick.

Can you do any tricks?

I’m learning! I’ve been going up and down ramps on the BMX bikes. I’ve learnt not to pedal on the way up which I was getting wrong before! I’m going to learn a little more because the kids are better than me!

Is that a bit embarrassing?

Yeah well these kids are fearless! They just pick it all up straight away. I didn’t want to wear a helmet to start with as it doesn’t look cool but then I realised how bad I was so I put it on!

What’s easier to do: tricks on a skateboard or tricks on a BMX?

I’ve never been much good on a skateboard so I think it’s easier on a bike. You can pick up more speed and it’s easier to ride a bike with your mates than a skateboard.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you on stage?

I’ve been on stage a few times and got so caught up in the performance that I’ve forgotten my words! Luckily a few people in the audience were singing along so I was able to pick up the song!

Who is your favourite cartoon character?

The Simpsons, probably Bart, he was always a cool kid.

 

Who’s your most famous friend?

I’m good friends with Pixie Lott. She was on a single of mine and we’ve always been cool. I’ve known her for a few years now. I’m also good friends with Dappy, we’ve always been tight.

Would you ever consider being an X Factor judge? 

If I got asked I would like to be a guest judge for a week or two but I wouldn’t like to be on the whole series.

Can Man Utd win the title?

It’s not can they, they will do! Man City spent a lot of money and just about won the title on goal difference. We didn’t have a good season and we still nearly won the league. Sir Alex won’t let Man City come and take over just like that! If Man Utd get Van Persie we’ll have a scary team next season. I feel like Man City have already got a load of players and they’ll probably buy a few more so hopefully he’ll come and play for Man Utd instead next season.

  

If you were a superhero what would your powers be?

I’d be invincible so I could walk into loads of offices and hear what people are up to and what their plans are. That way I’d be able to steal their ideas and take over!

 

If you were in the Olympics what would your event be?

100 metres! There’s nothing else I’d be any good at. I’d like to face Usain Bolt. I heard he was injured so hopefully he’ll be back and fully fit because he could easily set a new world record.

Tinchy Stryder is supporting the Halfords BMX Sessions, free events for kids aged 9-14 that fuse BMX coaching and music. Sign up at www.halfords.co.uk/bmx

JOHN CARTER STAR TAYLOR KITSCH!

What was it like to work on an epic project like John Carter?

Working on this movie was incredibly demanding, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I had tons of action scenes in the movie and it was exhausting because I had long, very physical days for four months straight. However, it was all worth it.

How would you describe your average day on the set of John Carter?

In the beginning, I’d start training at 4.30am in the morning before going to work on set all day and way into the night. It was tough, but it was also fun. I feel like I had to put all of that energy into my character to portray what John Carter is like as a person because he’s a hero and a warrior. It’s amazing to see everything come to life in the finished film.

What do you think of your character’s costumes in John Carter?

I have about 15 different costumes in the movie, but people seem to comment a lot on the outfits where my character doesn’t wear too much. I knew what I was getting myself into when I signed up for the role, so I was fine with everything they gave me to wear. The wardrobe was great.

Why did you decide to become an actor?

When I was younger, I wanted to become a professional hockey player – but a knee injury stopped that dream. I enjoyed acting, so I thought I’d give it a go. However, I didn’t just move to Hollywood and immediately become a star. I had to work hard. I was homeless in LA and New York along the way – but thankfully all the hard work eventually paid off.

How do you keep your feet on the ground after being thrust into the spotlight in John Carter?

I guess it helps that I don’t live in Hollywood. I live in Texas where I have a very different life. I don’t go out in LA, I don’t date an actress and I don’t foresee me doing that in the future. I feel like I’ve got my feet on the ground and they are not going anywhere.

Will you ever move back to Hollywood?

I’m not sure about that because I’m very happy in Texas. Being out of LA makes you see a lot clearer. A lot of my friends aren't actors, so that helps a lot, and the actors that I am friends with, they’re very similar to what direction I’m going on as well. They are more about the work than about celebrity. I like that.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors that want to follow in your footsteps?

I would say, “Man, you’ve got to go for it.” Don’t be denied and never be outworked. This is a tough industry, but you can make it if you try hard.

John Carter is out on 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD now!

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