Welsh actor Luke Evans on being bullied and why he wants to be an inspiration to younger children

Welsh actor Luke Evans has talked about the importance of children learning about film and theatre at school while visiting pupils in Cardiff.

Evans, who began his career on stage, visited Ysgol Treganna as part of Into Film Cymru, a programme designed to encourage learning through film.

He told ITV News about his passion for promoting the power of film, something he said he was not able to do until he left school.

The Beauty and The Beast actor, from Aberbargoed, said he comes from a "very working class town" which was about "putting food on the table and paying bills".

"It's not so much about dreams and I always knew the only thing I was really good at was singing and acting.

"It wasn't until I left the valleys did I get the chance to think about it. Things have changed I am sure... and I think music, acting, film and theatre is more integrated into the curriculum."

He said he wants to be seen as a role model to younger children and revealed how he was bullied when he was at school.

"These kids often see me on the screen and they forget I'm a human being who was a little boy in a school at one point.

"I was a kid that was bullied and I tell a lot of young people I was bullied badly but that I didn't let it ruin my dreams and my hope for a better life",

The pupils sang a rendition of 'Beauty and The Beast' in Welsh to which Evans responded saying "that's made my day".

Evans revealed he was in a male voice choir when he was younger, but it was only when he moved to London that he was able to fully explore his passion.

He has gone on to star in films such as Fast & Furious, The Girl On The Train and The Hobbit and has an estimated net worth of $6 million.

"The amazing thing about film is that it is seen by so many people all over the world", he said.

"The only sad by-product is I can't go anywhere without people recognising me - mostly for Gaston, Owen Shaw and Dracula. It's good and it's also a nightmare!"

Evans, who has been cast in a three-part series for ITV called the Pembrokeshire Murders about Welsh serial killer John Cooper said it has been "fantastic" working in Wales.

"I have been working with some brilliant Welsh actors and working in Pembrokeshire which is a beautiful part of the world. I've brought my family to set which I haven't been able to do before.

He is then starting rehearsals for his upcoming tour where he will be performing around the UK including Cardiff and Llandudno.