I genuinely was just such a fan of the books. When I heard that this was on the cards, I've got to do this; I've got to get involved with this. I'm such a Philip Pullman fan and actually his philosophies, morals and the way he looks at the world. He does what he does brilliantly as a writer. He writes children's stories with major adult themes and major ideas about making the right choices.

Even the worst Bond movies, there's something to love about them.

I don't say: 'can't do that', 'won't do that'. I've never thought in that way about work.

Philip is being very vocal about it. For me, I don't think the story isn't at all anti-religious in any way. I think what's it more against is the control and the misuse of power that any organised religion, or any political organisation exercises over the people they're supposed to represent. I think that, for me, is what's important in the movie.

I never really had a strong accent.

As far as I'm concerned, the sexiness, the sex symbol, it's not a consideration.

I like fishing, I like painting; I like painting fish.