TOM CONTI ON PLAYING JUDGE WHO SENDS BRITAIN’S

email

“It’s funny that the first time in my career that I play a judge it’s opposite an accident-prone bear.”

Paddington 2, with an all-star cast including Hugh Grant, Julie Walters and Peter Capaldi, opened in cinemas across the UK last week and is already proving a smash hit.

The first f ilm, in 2014, took everyone by surprise when it became the highest- grossing non- Hollywood f i lm to date, taking £131million at the box office.

Paddington, created by author Michael Bond, who died earlier this year, has been delighting millions of children and adults for more than six decades – and thanks to the movies his appeal continues to grow.

Paisley-born Tom is thrilled to be part of the phenomenon.

He said: “My daughter Nina had a Paddington Bear growing up and I read the books to her just like I did to my grandsons Arthur and Drummond when they were a wee bit younger.

“The boys are both fans of the first movie and I took 13- year- old Arthur with me to the premiere of Paddington 2 last week and he absolutely loved it.

“It appeals to all ages as there are jokes for the kids and innuendos only the adults will understand.

“Paddington is such a feel- good character, he’s like a tonic who makes everyone feel warm and happy. But it’s not just the bear that makes this movie great, it’s the whole package.

“Everything comes together, giving it a heart and soul. The Brown family

BEST BAR NONE The beloved bear in his jail outfit. Right, with the Brown family. Main picture, Tom Conti as the judge SO SWEET