Colin Firth is now a dual British-Italian citizen amid Brexit ‘uncertainty’ but says he will always be ‘extremely British’
BRIDGET Jones star Colin Firth has been granted Italian citizenship just months after he complained about Brexit.
The 57-year-old actor, wed to Italian-born Livio Giuggioli, blasted the referendum decision in a newspaper interview, calling it “a disaster of unexpected proportions”.
He applied for an Italian passport and dual British-Italian citizenship last month and was accepted after an interview and test.
The Interior Ministry in Rome said: “Italian citizenship has been granted to Colin Andrew Firth.
“He has often declared his love for our land.”
A source for Firth, who lives in Chiswick, West London, said: “He speaks Italian, is wed to an Italian and often visits Italy. Citizenship makes sense.”
In a statement from his agent on Saturday Mr Firth said he would always be "extremely British" but amidst "uncertainty" his family decided to all get the same citizenship.
The star said: "A connection with Italy has existed in my family for more than two decades now. I was married there and had two children born in Rome.
"My wife and I are both extremely proud of our own countries. We feel that we’ve made a gift of that to each other.
"Our children have been dual citizens since the beginning. We never really thought much about our different passports. But now, with some of the uncertainty around, we thought it sensible that we should all get the same.
"Livia is applying for a British passport. I will always be extremely British (you only have to look at or listen to me). Britain is our home and we love it here.
"Despite the enticements of my profession to relocate to more remunerative climes I’ve always chosen to base my career out of the UK and pay my taxes here. That hasn’t changed.
"I married into Italy (and anyone will tell you when you marry an Italian you don’t just marry one person; you marry a family and perhaps an entire country…).
"Like almost everybody I have a passionate love of Italy and joining my wife kids in being dual citizens will be a huge privilege.”
