Hound makes hairy career choice

Rufus Hound has got rid of his trademark handlebar moustache to help his acting career.

The comedian and TV presenter shaved off his distinctive facial hair after landing the lead role of Francis Hensall in One Man, Two Guvnors on national tour (the role made famous by Tony Award-winner James Corden).

"There's no way Francis would have a big American handlebar moustache, so the Hulk Hogan's gone for a while," he said.

"I might grow it back at some point. The business of playing other people seems to be easier if you don't look exactly like everybody thinks you look, so I'm happy to park it for a little bit."

Rufus stars in new comedy film The Wedding Video - in which he plays a best man who decides to document the run-up to his brother's wedding day - and the dad-of-two said the project filled him with pride.

"On telly you always get a sense of, 'Well if you don't like it, switch over', whereas with a movie, it's like, 'No, really come and see this' and I can honestly tell you, having watched this film, I'm just ridiculously proud of it. I really think we made something incredibly special that isn't really sickly, over-the-top lovey dovey," he added.

But the funnyman insisted he isn't quitting the small screen, and recently filmed a pilot gameshow for ITV2 which he reckons "could be spectacular".

"It's a big silly entertainment show: old school, shiny floor, four members of the public competing as a team to win a holiday. But it's all about how well they know each other and we created a show that I just think is kind of magical. I'd love to be at the helm of something people haven't seen before, which this show would be."

:: The Wedding Video is released in cinemas on Friday, August 17.