Colin Firth has joked he used to start rumours that he was going to be the next James Bond.

The 54-year-old actor has confessed that while he's now too old to take on the iconic role, he doesn't think he was ever in the running, apart from when he tried to spark some speculation himself.

When asked how he feels about never having played the suave spy, he said: ''I suppose this has got to be it for me in a way, I suppose. I think it would never have happened. I remember lists being around of speculation ... never from the Bond people, just lists ... in my handwriting.''

The star plays secret agent Harry Hart in 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' and he was delighted his role drew comparisons between himself and British sitcom 'Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em' funnyman Frank Spencer because he did his own stunts in the movie.

Speaking on London Live, he added: ''That's a huge honour. I remember thinking actually that there was nothing cooler in the world than a courageous, athletic, dynamic man pretending to be a complete klutz and loser. I thought that was absolutely wonderful.

''The fact he was Superman pretending to be Clark Kent effectively.''

Colin also admitted he finds it tougher to go unnoticed while out and about in London now compared to earlier in his career.

He added: ''Well it's been a long time since I enjoyed a quiet one [pint]. It's just that London boozers can be quite boisterous and sitting quietly in a corner is not as easy as it used to be.''

London Live airs on Freeview 8, YouView 8, Sky 117 and Virgin 159.