Jeremy Irons says he would decline a knighthood

Jeremy Irons says he would reject a knighthood if one was offered.

The 67-year-old, who came to fame playing Charles Ryder in the TV adaptation of Brideshead Revisited, explained the title would feel uncomfortable as he had entered acting to become "a rogue and a vagabond".

Speaking to BBC arts correspondent Rebecca Jones, Irons revealed he had worked as a builder and a social worker when he was younger to sustain his acting career.

The actor, a former donor to the Labour Party, also said he had become disillusioned with politics. He suggested the campaigning for the European Referendum had turned into a game show, primarily between David Cameron and Boris Johnson.

This interview was originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Jeremy Irons is currently in rehearsals for Long Day's Journey Into Night at the Bristol Old Vic.