The big comic performance is a very obvious thing to do. The bolder, more inventive thing sometimes is the subtler, understated performance with minute shades and variations. If you start to disrespect the character you`re playing, or play it too much for laughs, that can work for a sketch, it will sell some gags, but it`s all technique. It`s like watching a juggler - you can be impressed by it, but it`s not going to touch you in any way.

"In comic acting, to improvise effectively is quite difficult. A lot of actors can improvise up to a certain level - an entry level, which is when you see the actors having more fun than the audience."

"I don`t want to be someone who`s trying to spin this public image of me. I have had some negative tabloid press, I`m sure you`re aware [I am], but I don`t like to portray myself as somehow a nice, well-rounded person."

"As soon as I see period costume, I turn off. It`s like hearing drama on Radio 4."

"I always find it easier to portray myself as being unlikeable and idiotic; to actually play a character that is likeable and engages the audience is far more difficult. It`s a more subtle kind of challenge."

"Actors say they do their own stunts for the integrity of the film but I did them because they looked like a lot of fun."