Firth: 'I Hate The Christmas Holidays'

The actor plays Ebenezer Scrooge's cheerful nephew Fred in Disney's 3D movie A Christmas Carol, but insists he's actually more like the famous grump since he struggles to get into the holiday spirit every year.

He explains, "I have a profound loathing of Christmas - it's sad really. At this time of year, I am careful not to switch on the radio because those novelty jingles make me homicidal and plunge me into the heart of Scrooge territory. I think Christmas turns us all into Scrooge. Everyone is trying to throw happy stuff at you, and that's when I come over all humbug."

But he insists the film adaptation of Charles DICkens' story is the perfect remedy for people who hate the festivities.

He adds, "I think A Christmas Carol is the best season story you'll find, because after its darkness, fear and regret, you're ready for a bit of joy by the end. Scrooge is an anti-hero for some reason - people admire this terrible old curmudgeon. Kids may be scared of the story, but you have to tell them it has a happy ending and that the ghosts are, in fact, acts of kindness to encourage Scrooge to change."