AceShowbiz - Colin Firth despises the festive season so much he can't listen to the radio in December - because Christmas music makes him furious. The actor plays Ebenezer Scrooge's cheerful nephew Fred in Disney's 3D movie "A Christmas Carol", but insists he's actually more like the famous grump since he struggles to get into the holiday spirit every year.

He explains, "I have a profound loathing of Christmas - it's sad really. At this time of year, I am careful not to switch on the radio because those novelty jingles make me homicidal and plunge me into the heart of Scrooge territory. I think Christmas turns us all into Scrooge. Everyone is trying to throw happy stuff at you, and that's when I come over all humbug." But he insists the film adaptation of Charles Dickens' story is the perfect remedy for people who hate the festivities.

He adds, "I think A Christmas Carol is the best season story you'll find, because after its darkness, fear and regret, you're ready for a bit of joy by the end. Scrooge is an anti-hero for some reason - people admire this terrible old curmudgeon. Kids may be scared of the story, but you have to tell them it has a happy ending and that the ghosts are, in fact, acts of kindness to encourage Scrooge to change."