MartinFreeman

Nonetheless, his passion was for performing and he attended London's Central School of Speech and Drama.

Upon leaving, he picked up work at the National Theatre and TV roles followed, including appearances in The Bill and This Life.

His comedic break was in the sketch show Bruiser in 2000, but this was eclipsed by his role as Tim Canterbury in The Office the following year.

Although he jobbed in other shows like World of Pub and appeared in the film Ali G Indahouse, Tim was the role that defined him.

Subsequently he's gone on to appear in sitcoms Hardware and The Robinsons.

He's now concentrating on his burgeoning film career.