The end is Nighy for stage-shy Bill

DESPITE winning plaudits for his theatre role in Skylight alongside Carey Mulligan, Bill Nighy admits he’s so terrified of performing that he hopes never to step foot on stage again.

‘The opening and closing of a play is the scariest thing I’ll ever do. I don’t think there’s ever been a play on opening night where I don’t remember saying: “This must never ever be allowed to happen again,”’ declares the 70-year-old.

‘There’s no need for me to be doing theatre — what am I trying to prove? I should be on a film set, making eight times the money, with someone saying: “Shall I get you a frappuccino?” ’