Clive Mantle, 49, who lives in Box, first shot to fame as Little John in Robin of Sherwood, which was filmed in various locations around Wiltshire in 1986.

He is probably most famous for playing the gentle giant Dr Mike Barratt in the BBC's Casualty and later Holby City. He has also appeared in The Vicar of Dibley, One Foot in the Grave, Bloomin' Marvellous and Heartbeat among others.

He was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 1986 for Most Promising Newcomer for his performance in Of Mice and Men. He lives in Box with his wife, Zoe, and son, Harry.

What do you like most about living in Wiltshire?

I like the tranquillity and the pace of life best, and the wonderful opportunity to walk on so many well-marked and different footpaths, with so many great pubs to stop and recover.

Where would you recommend for a good evening out and why?

The Sign of the Angel in Lacock is the place we head for if I've been away abroad working for a long time. I instantly feel back at home and comfortable, and the walnut and Stilton pate with sweet quince jelly is my favourite food by far. Also the Pear Tree at Whitley.

Who would be your ideal dinner partner and why?

Along with my wife, my ideal dining partner would be David Hempleman-Adams, so we could talk mountains and Boys Own stuff. He is a national treasure and an inspirational figure.

Which local landmark or attraction would you recommend?

The Cotswold Way is a jewel on our doorstep, as is the Macmillan Way. Avebury, Silbury Hill and Stonehenge are all evocative and thought provoking.

What is your favourite book and why?

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, because it says so much about all societies and peoples, not just the tragic migration of the Dust Bowl refugees from Oklahoma to California. It is unsentimental and all the more moving for being so.

What is your favourite music and why?

Van Morrison, Supertramp, Pink Floyd. Classical, jazz and the blues different music for different moods.

How do you relax?

Walking and the very occasional game of golf with mates. Bowood is my club and it is absolutely fantastic because it is so unstuffy and relaxed in atmosphere as well as being truly beautiful.

What keeps you awake at night?

Worry about work, the state of the world and what is going to be left of it for my son, Harry, to inherit.

If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you take?

I would take a good book, a photo album with pictures of all my friends and family and a CD of my favourite songs from the musicals.