Meet the new Romeo, aka Douglas Booth...

Playing Romeo is kind of a big deal. Discuss.

At first it was very daunting but eventually you just have to go – ‘You know what? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to play Romeo and fly to Verona and work opposite Hailee Steinfeld, such a talented Oscar nominated Actress (at 15!).’

Do you like watching your own films?

It’s weird, really weird - a love/hate thing, like ‘Oh this is cool I am seeing what we made and worked really hard on’ and then ‘Oh god what am I doing there? Why am I doing that? Oh that’s strange.’

Were there any funny mishaps during filming?

I remember me and Hailee we were rehearsing - some of the horse stuff - and we were galloping together and her horse just took off and bolted and she came flying off the horse! I have never seen producers freak out like that before. Luckily she was OK. I was also always splitting my trousers right down the middle, totally exposed! The poor costume girls were constantly having to sew them up!

How do you feel about your new pin-up status?

I try not to think about it. All I can do is take it as a compliment, carry on living my life day-to-day, try to be as normal as possible and hope people enjoy the movie.

Which actors to you admire?

I loved Gladiator when I was young. Russell Crowe was a big inspiration, the fact that he plays my father in Noah was amazing. I also greatly admire Leonardo DiCaprio. I think his choice of roles is very clever – he has had success critically and commercially, I look up to him greatly. Also, if I’m half as good an actor as my Romeo and Juliet co-star Paul Giamatti when I’m his age I will die happy.

What’s your romantic prop choice?

It’s a bit of a cliché but I think girls like to get flowers. I think books are quite romantic too. If you can find an interesting book, that brings something out in your partner that can be very romantic.

What's your favourite book?

I loved Harry Potter growing up. I’m dyslexic and a slow reader but I could get through the thick ones in days!

Romeo and Juliet is in cinemas nationwide from 11 October

Romeo: ELLE Man of the Week