

Michael Socha
24, actor
(Image: David Venni)
What was the standout moment for you last year?
I think once I knew I was coming back for another series of Being Human on BBC Three, I realised that 2011 was quite a good year for me. I’m not just going for little guest parts any more — I’m in a whole series of something that’s already well-established. I did This Is England ’88, but I didn’t have that much to do this time — although I thoroughly enjoyed doing it.
What are you most looking forward to in 2012?
As of now, it’s real — I’m an actor. About two years ago I was taking acting as seriously as I am now, but not getting anywhere. This year… well, you never know, do you?
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Do you have a new year’s resolution?
Smoking. I always give up smoking, but I can never do it. If I say I’ll only smoke 10 tomorrow, I’ll smoke 20. I used to do a workshop where they did all that Derren Brown stuff where they hypnotise you, but they couldn’t do it to me. I’m too sceptical. I tell you what, my resolution is to stop making resolutions.
What do you want to achieve in 2012?
Quit smoking. F*cking hell, I hate these, I’m not quick enough. I don’t have an answer for everything. Settle down with a good girl. It’s about time now — I’ve been single for a bit. Get myself back down living in London as well.
Do you think British acting and television are breaking new boundaries?
Yeah, I love raw English TV and films. I can’t watch films unless I believe them. I love realistic, raw, hard productions, and this new wave of tough, gritty stuff we’ve been making is terrific.

As Content Director of Shortlist, Marc likes nothing more than to compile endless lists of an evening by candlelight. He started out life as a movie writer for numerous (now defunct) magazines and soon found himself online - editing a gaggle of gadget sites, including TechRadar, Digital Camera World and Tom's Guide UK. At Shortlist you'll find him mostly writing about movies and tech, so no change there then.