This can make people fearful or happy or whatever, and I think that's really interesting as a premise. These characters are trying to cope with this knowledge of the future - and they are either trying to run away from it or run towards it.

- Were you ever concerned that the show might become over complicated?

Not at all. What I love about FlashForward is that whilst the premise of the show is big, mind-bending and astonishing; it's not overwhelming.

I think the show hits a perfect balance between the storyline focusing on the investigation into the blackout and the storylines of the various characters we meet on this journey.

- There have been many comparisons between Lost and FlashForward. Were you upset that you didn't get to film in Hawaii?

That didn’t bother me at all. I spent much of the last five years in tropical beachfront locations filming movies like Pirates Of The Caribbean.

To tell you the truth, those places are great to go on holiday - but they’re not wonderful places to live for a long time because there’s usually nothing but a beach.

After a while, you start to think, ‘Great... The beach again. A place where dirt meets water; brilliant.’ You’ve had enough of beaches after you’ve been there for nine months. I've certainly had my fill of that stuff for the while.

- Do you enjoy living in Los Angeles now?

I do. I’ve been living in Los Angeles on and off for the last seven years. I still have my home in London and I don't want to ever lose that foothold - but California certainly has its advantages. I love the optimism of America and the way that people get on with things here. I like that a lot. However, I don’t see myself living here forever.

- Is it surprising for you to work with so many British actors in Hollywood?

Not really. Ever since Hollywood began, British actors have been coming here to work because we benefit from speaking the same language and there’s a lot going on here.

FlashForward had an enormous cast and if you looked at the statistics, it’s not that improbable that there would be four or five British actors within that list. I'm the only one who’s not suiting up and doing an American accent, though.

- FlashForward delves into a myriad of themes including fate, destiny and the future. Do you believe in fate?

I believe in fate and destiny up to a point. If I didn't, that would imply that I don’t have a romantic bone in my body – and I think I do.

- But have you ever had any visions or premonitions?

Have I had a vision of the future? No. And to be honest, I really don't want one. I'm scared enough of the future as it is; I don't need to know what it's going to be.

I’d much rather come face to face with the future as it comes along. I’m fine with that. Ignorance is bliss.

Flashforward is out on DVD now.