Danny stars in BBC series Death in Paradise
When did you first start performing?
I think I was performing from the moment I was born because I was crying musical scales all the way to the ward, apparently.
My first performance was a crime prevention film called 'Seven Green Bottles' when I was 14. You can watch it on YouTube!
What's your favourite memory from Red Dwarf?
My favourite memory has to be my audition. I was 30 minutes late unbeknown to me. I made no apologies, did my audition and whilst being hurried out of the door I was told the horrible truth. I was the first person to audition and I still got the job. A miracle.
Is it true that series 11 of Red Dwarf might be on the horizon?
Red Dwarf 11 is being written as I speak and will be made in November. This year is the 26th anniversary of the first Red Dwarf.
Did you enjoy meeting fans at the recent Dale-Con?
Yes. I enjoy meeting fans all over the world. If you are entertaining people in the media, you should be available for them to meet you in the flesh. It's those people who are 'keeping you in pants'! I see it as a musician doing a live concert.
What is the most memorable fan mail you've ever received?
Various terminally ill people who have told me that Red Dwarf is their only joy. One guy said that when he was under morphine after a brain op he kept hallucinating the Red Dwarf cast walking past his room.
What has been the highlight of your career up to now?
The highlight of my career thus far was starring in a show called Soul Train in the West End. Singing, dancing, acting and comedy all on stage live; a huge challenge and one that I will cherish.
What would be your dream job?
My dream job would be to play Richard Pryor. He was a big influence playing The Cat.
You're an actor, singer and dancer - but if you had to choose just one, which would it be?
I couldn't choose from the three. Doing them together is the biggest buzz. I'm an entertainer - I do whatever it takes to entertain.
What are you up to at the moment?
I had a motorbike documentary on the Community Channel (Sky) on 19th March but you can look it up on BBC iPlayer.
I will be filming a new Death In Paradise series in the summer and finishing my short film 'BUCKY'. Why do you think the Death In Paradise series boasts consistently high ratings?
People love escapism. We always want what 'the other guy has'. Death In Paradise is a life we are told is exotic. It's for dreamers. It takes away the focus usually reserved for all your stresses in life.
Are there any downsides to filming on a Caribbean island?
Of course. I have two small kids who have missed me for what will be the fourth summer of their short existence. My boy is eight and my girl is six. Do you watch yourself on television?
I watch it once with the rest of the country and then I leave it alone.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors/performers?
Seriously. Unless you can't live without it... Stay Away From Showbiz!!
Ruth Meredith