Actor Colin Firth gets dual British-Italian citizenship

British actor Colin Firth has become an Italian citizen, the country's authorities have confirmed.


His wife - film producer Livia Giuggioli - is Italian, making 
the Oscar-winning Bridget Jones star eligible for citizenship there.


The 56-year-old now has dual citizenship and can therefore keep his British passport.


Firth said he had applied for an Italian passport because of "the uncertainty around".


The actor said that he has been connected to Italy
"for more than two decades now".


"I was married there and had two children born in
Rome," he added.


He said that his wife was applying for a British
passport also, and both his children have dual
citizenship.


He added: "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."


The Italian interior ministry, which confirmed Firth had been granted a passport, said: "The very famous actor, who won 
an Oscar for the film The King's Speech, is married to a citizen from our country and has often declared his love for our
land."


Firth, who won best actor at the 2011 Oscars for his 
portrayal of King George in The King's Speech, has been married since 1997.


He added: "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."


He said that he will continue to base his career out
of the UK, but added: "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 and kids in being dual
citizens will be a huge privilege."