Is it a curse or a blessing to be associated with such well-known roles?
"Ultimately it's a blessing because it's made me a living. I have been typecast as those characters and that's not always the best of situations to be in. But if I had the time again, I wouldn't have done anything differently."

Many people have said that Brittas was the precursor to David Brent. How do you think they'd get on if they met?
"They'd probably get on very well! When I watch 'The Office', which I think is one of the funniest shows there's ever been, I see Brent as a slightly more hip version of Brittas - or at least he tries to be. I think they would also get on quite well in that they're both very anal."

Does the prospect of 'Red Dwarf' finally being turned into a movie make you nervous?
"It would be a big responsibility, yes. But if it happens, we'll all be girding our loins for it. I just want to do some more 'Red Dwarf', whether it's a movie or a TV special but we'll just have to see what happens."

Is it true the TV cast might be replaced by bigger names if a 'Red Dwarf' movie gets made?
"That's been considered, many times. If you had four Hollywood names playing the characters you get the movie made instantly with a huge budget. But then it wouldn't be 'Red Dwarf'. To get an American to say Rimmer's weasely lines might not sound as convincing."

Do 'Red Dwarf' fans approach you about their favourite scenes?
"I often get that - and you see slight disappointment on their faces when they realise I don't remember it! But at the end of the day, I'm just the actor. When I've done it, I've got to erase it from my mind and think of the next bit. But if someone walks up to me in the street and quotes great chunks of dialogue, you can only be impressed."

After starring as Lara Croft's butler in the two 'Tomb Raider' films, are you looking for more Hollywood roles?
"I'm at a stage in my life where I'm keeping my options open. I want to do some work around the passions in life - which are engines and vehicles - but I'll do some more acting roles as well. If 'Tomb Raider' ever came up for another outing I'd be up for that."

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