I can't retire from life. I love life too much and I cannot wait to start the day.

I wasn't good at examinations, but I went to a very good secondary school - Bolton-on-Dearne - with wonderful teachers, who taught me drama and encouraged me in every way.

I love Scotland - I was made an honorary Wallace after my work on 'Braveheart,' you know. If I have two or three days off, I love nothing more than driving up there and climbing around Glencoe.

When I was in Downing Street, David Cameron saw me and said, "Please, shout it all around and let it penetrate to my cabinet meeting." So I bellowed: "Gordon's alive!"

The misapprehension about me is that I am some loud, rampant maniac. I am actually very pensive and quiet.

When I was 11 I played the part of Rumpelstiltskin and my teacher told me I would make a great actor.

I can't retire from life. I love life too much and I cannot wait to start the day.