The ‘Brighton Rock’ actor – who tied the knot with actress Alexandra Maria Lara in August 2009 – admits he is a “romantic” and liked the idea of proving his love for the German beauty in front of other people.

He said: “Both of our parents are still married and I’m a romantic. I like the idea of declaring my undying adoration in front of people. I’m an actor, of course, so I like to show off.”

Sam met Alexandra when they worked on ‘Control’ – a biopic of Joy Division’s late front man Ian Curtis – in 2007 and the British actor admits their scenes together were among the most enjoyable he has ever done.

He told Britain’s Elle magazine: “Was it unprofessional to date my leading lady? Well, it was my first film so I didn’t know any better. Those are the only kissing scenes I’ve ever really enjoyed in a movie. I won’t go into details…”

Sam and Alexandra currently live in Germany and the actor insists he has no desire to move back to his home town of Leeds, North England.

He explained: “I couldn’t really take a girl from Berlin to live in Leeds. I love it here. I miss the Yorkshire sense of humor and things like bitter and Yorkshire puddings, but I can still get my hands on salt ‘n’ vinegar crisps.”