Ian McDiarmid

When George asked me to be the prequels, it was the same kind of meeting - it was very short and to the point. It was nice to see him after a long time, and we met in a hotel room.

For me it's even more interesting, because my character comes out of the shadow. It's a chance to really act emotionally, because the situation is an extreme one.

And also, it's sort of my job to make you believe things about him that aren't true about me.

Think of the earth as a living organism that is being attacked by billions of bacteria whose numbers double every forty years. Either the host dies, or the virus dies, or both die.

Some politicians that I've seen have been brilliant with the public. They almost speak with the skill of an actor.

I like Dali and Magritte. I also like the Scottish artist John Byrne, another surrealist.