7 things to know about Luke Evans AKA Gaston from Beauty & the Beast

Like what he's done before, what he's got coming up and, *cough*, if he's single...

Since the Beauty & The Beast trailer dropped last week we've been humming the theme tune and revisiting the lyrics of our favourite tunes (any excuse, eh?).

Now, while the brand new live-action film isn't out until March next year, there's already huge buzz around the film, owing mostly to the all-star cast which includes Emma Watson as Belle and Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens as Beast.

But there's one other cast addition that we're a little bit excited about...

Gaston will be played by Welsh actor Luke Evans, who's acting CV reads like a checklist of blockbuster movies, sell-out plays and successful TV shows aplenty, with former colleagues including Jason Statham, Olivia Wilde and Tom Hiddleston.

Here's 7 things you should probably know about Luke Evans if you don't already...

1. He's from Wales...

Luke grew up in South Wales, where he lived until winning a scholarship to prestigious drama school, the London Studio Centre. We're suckers for a Welsh accent over here.

At the moment he lives in East London.

2. He's tread the boards in the past...

You might remember Lukey from Immortals, Clash of the Titans, Dracula, The Three Musketeers and the most recent installment of The Hobbit. Or, if you're a theatre buff you might have seen him in the flesh as he spent most of his early career on the stage, appearing in Rent, Miss Saigon and Piaf.

3. So, he's going to be Gaston...

If you haven't watched the original film since you were actually a child, we'll catch you up: Gaston is the super stacked anti-hero who's obsessed with Belle. For a modern day reference, imagine the kind of guy who's addicted to protein shakes and thinks shouting stuff at women on the street is flattering - that's Gaston. 4. He's got another *really* exciting role coming up, too...

Aside from Beauty and the Beast, Evans landed a coveted role playing Scott, husband of Emily Blunt's character, in the upcoming blockbuster The Girl On The Train, a film adaptation of the novel. The film is set for release in 2016 and it's already being hailed as the next Gone Girl.

Go Luke.

5. Is he single?

Unconfirmed. But he's rumoured to be in a relationship with Spanish model Jon Kortajarena. *Cries*...

6. He's up for a laugh...

Take his appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show for instance, in which he has a sing-off with Hugh Jackman.

Fit, talented and doesn't take himself too seriously. What more could you want? 7. He can work multiple hair situations with finesse...

Exhibit A. Long hair

Exhibit B. Short

Exhibit 3. Moustache

Luke Evans, we'll be keeping an eye on you.