The idea of regretting not doing this seemed insane to me. Sitting in the corner at a bar at age 60, saying: 'I could've been Bond. Buy me a drink.' That's the saddest place I could be. At least now at 60 I can say: 'I was Bond. Now buy me a drink.'

I have never played a role in which someone's dark side shouldn't be explored.

It's not like I go out there to be a sex symbol. I mean, it's nice of course - but embarrassing.

Although I'm not from London originally: I moved down here when I was 16, so it's played a part in my life. It's where I've lived for all that time.

It's a huge challenge, a huge responsibility. Bond is a huge iconic figure in movie history. These opportunities don't come along very often so I thought, 'Why not?'

There is, come to think of it, a kind of Judi Dench quality to McCain.

I love that my friends are all freaks.