Riz Ahmed thinks attending a private school changed his life

Riz - who was born in London to Pakistani parents - reflected: "I don’t think that my horizons would have been as wide if I hadn’t [attended these institutions].

"So many limitations are insidiously placed on so many of us in society who are from traditionally marginalised communities. Going to that school meant that I could do this amazing school play every year; [going to Oxford] meant that I met a theatre producer who paid for me to go to drama school for a year when I couldn’t afford it. And just learning to be in those spaces in itself is a huge thing.

"It’s the difference between whether you’re able to relax and crack jokes in an interview or audition, you know what I’m saying?"

Riz has starred in a host of big-budget movies in recent years, including 'Venom' and 'Rogue One'.

But he's remained "grounded" by staying close to his friends and family.

He told The Times Magazine: "I guess I didn’t move to Los Angeles or New York. I feel lucky that I have quite a grounded life. Most of my friends I’ve had for like 25 years, since the age of 10. I live 15 minutes away from my family; I go and see them constantly."

But despite his success, Riz's parents would've actually preferred him to have a "steady job".

He said: "My parents wanted me to have a steady job rather than a self-employed one, because they learnt the hard way it can be rocky. But my older siblings paved the way for me.

"My sister became a lawyer and my brother became a doctor, which meant that I could be a bit more of a wild card."