My own grandfathers were a submarine commander and a 'desert rats' tank operator in the Second World War.

Animations are really powerful - it's not just entertainment, it's a very cunning way to get good ideas across.

[Sherlock Holmes] has to understand the world. That's very much John's [Watson] influence on him. But like a lot of the friendships and relationships in that world, it's born out of necessity. It makes him better. There's a pragmatism to it. It's not whimsical or sentimental. It's born out of necessity.

As an actor, to be part of that story's [Marvel univerce ] terrific. I've enjoyed it so much as a fan and now I'm getting to have a go myself.

When are you ever settled enough to have kids?

I can feel infinitely alive curled up on the sofa reading a book.

The more charming person is the person who admits the other person is more charming.