Actor John Challis, better known as Boycie, has published the first volume of his autobiography, Being Boycie. Challis lives near Ludlow, in the restored Wigmore Abbey, with his wife, Carol. Here he tells us his idea of a perfect weekend.

It’s Friday afternoon, what’s on your mind?

Probably: ‘What? Is it Friday already, what happened to Thursday?’ I never really know what day it is unless there’s some sort of deadline. Recently, with so many interviews, personal appearances and signings, all to do with the book, I have had to get a bit more organised. I’m a sports fan, so I look forward to what’s on at the time, particularly cricket, and a bit of gardening.

Who normally has the pleasure of your company at the weekend?

My wife Carol – at least I hope it’s a pleasure! There is so much to do here at the Abbey, both inside and out, and we trickle along very nicely together. Occasionally we’ll go to one of our local hostelries, there are four excellent ones in the vicinity, maybe on our own or with friends, which is always a joy.

How do you prepare for a big night out?

I never prepare. It’s always: ‘What the hell am I supposed to be wearing? Where are my black socks? Why do we have to go through all this?’ Consequently,having made my feelings known, I am hardly ever asked to a big night out!

What’s your favourite party outfit?

I don’t go to many parties. I never go to TV or theatre awards ceremonies because nobody ever asks me! Anyway, strangely for an actor, I’m not really a party animal and I loathe fancy dress parties especially! I find it embarrassing. I am quite a conservative dresser and enjoy looking smart, which in my case means pretty formal.

You’ve just arrived at the bar, what’s your first drink?

If they do decent cocktails, I do like a vodka martini, with a twist – STIRRED not shaken. James Bond had no taste. Otherwise it would be a large glass – I say a large glass – of Pinot Grigio. And definitely none of those exotic umbrella infested, coloured water confections.

What is your favourite nightspot and why?

The terrace outside my sitting room on a balmy summer evening, with candles glowing and the moon coming up. There’s not a sound to spoil the tranquility.

What tune always gets you on the dance floor?

Anything by the Rolling Stones or recently I have been enjoying Bill Wyman’s Rythm Kings – I just love that jitterbug, jump-jive and wail.

It’s a sunny Saturday,what are you up to?

Probably hacking, trimming, cutting back, re-planting and trying to finish off all the half finished jobs in the garden . . . and searching in vain for the dibber or the lawn edger which are lost in the depths of the garage.

What’s your most memorable weekend and why?

The weekend that Carol and I re-affirmed our wedding vows on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. It was sentimental and took place in the perfect natural setting of a wooded valley with a stream tumbling down from the mountains to the sea across a perfect beach. ‘That’ll be 250 dollars Mr Challis!’

What’s the recipe for a perfect night in?

Something silly on the telly that I can shout at, like The X Factor. I do like candles and living in this mediaeval house it’s quite easy to create an atmosphere. Dark and moody, a nice log fire, a glass of red and the wife’s cooking.

What’s your favourite DVD and what would you eat while watching it?

It would have to be England’s cricketers winning The Ashes in 2005 – so brilliantly unexpected. I would have a dish of olives, pickled garlic and sun dried tomatoes beside me so that I could dip into that.

Sunday breakfast – cooked or continental?

I cannot resist a good fry-up. Bacon, eggs, tomatoes and mushrooms but NOT black pudding.

Sunday lunch – down the pub or home cooked?

Definitely home cooked. Carol is a brilliant cook. Sunday lunch usually happens in the evening. If we go to the pub it’s because we’ve run out of food. The local does a really good roast, so we just have a quiet ‘diner a deux’ and then go home for a siesta.

Where and how do you like to relax?

I’m quite a lazy person and I do try hard to be a driven person but it just ain’t in me. At home I like to sit and read newspapers or a book that has grabbed me – usually the latest Lee Childs – or something about the English Civil War. I enjoy trains and find them a very relaxing way to travel, watching the world go by while writing or reading and listening to music.

You’ve got a whole weekend off and a wad of money in your pocket. Which country would you head for?

I would jump on the Eurostar and head for Amsterdam. I am not a great fan of flying anywhere, so it’s usually the train.

Amsterdam is particularly fascinating for me. I’ve always been haunted by the story of little Anne Frank. I appeared in my own play there during the Third World Festival in 1978 and Carol loves the place and knows it of old from her hippy period in the 60s when Radio Caroline ruled the waves.