IN HIS OWN WORDS: Colin Firth

With Colin Firth, 57, reprising his role as super-spy Harry Hart in Kingsman: The Golden Circle (8pm, Sky Premiere), we look at what the actor has said about his life and career so far…

On the acting profession: ‘Actors are basically drag queens. People will tell you they act because they want to heal mankind or, you know, explore the nature of the human psyche. Yes, maybe. But basically, we just want to put on a frock and dance.’ On never being able to escape that role in the 1995 BBC TV adaptation of Pride

And Prejudice: ‘I’m fully aware that if I were to change professions tomorrow, become an astronaut and be the first man to land on Mars, the headlines in the newspapers would read:

“Mr Darcy Lands On Mars”.’ On playing against type in The Kingsman films: ‘The only reason I’m in Kingsman is because Matthew

[Vaughn, the director] enjoys playing with the unexpected. I’m not playing Harry Hart because I’m the butchest actor in Britain. I’m playing it because he said I’m the last person anyone would expect to see in that role!’ On accepting the Best Actor Oscar

for The King’s Speech (2010): ‘I have a feeling my career’s just peaked.’

On being in love: ‘It’s a very dangerous state. You are inclined to recklessness, and kind of tune out the rest of your life and everything that’s been important to you. It’s actually not all that pleasurable. I don’t know who the hell wants to get in a situation where you can’t bear an hour without somebody’s company.’