Colin Firth says elderly women "lust" after him.

The 47-year-old star insists he has no problem being seen as a sex symbol by women over 60.

He said: "I actually find I'm increasingly lusted after by people who are collecting their state pension."

"I was told the story of one woman in hospital diagnosed with high blood pressure who was told not to watch anymore of 'Pride and Prejudice' because seeing me on screen was getting her pulse racing. She was 103."

Colin also revealed he donned a series of spandex outfits for his upcoming role in the film adaptation of ABBA musical 'Mamma Mia!'.

He said: "Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Julie Walters are all in it with me and we all wore spandex. ABBA wasn't my thing as a kid but I really enjoyed this film."

'Mamma Mia!' is due to hit cinema screens in July.