Bill Nighy doesn't trust anyone who wears shoes without socks and believes knees are a "private business"

He told the publication: "Someone once asked if it's ever acceptable to go out without socks. Obviously, the answer is no. I'm amazed anyone has to ask ...

"Flip-flops are fine - they're honest. But shoes without socks? I just don't trust you."

The 75-year-old actor also revealed he refuses to wear shorts because "knees are a private business".

He explained: "I've never worn shorts - not since I was a boy. I don't see why I'd start now. Knees are a private business. I've no wish to impose mine on the world ...

"I love trousers. Generous ones that swing and flow - not the kind that grip. When I do period films, I'm always relieved if the story's set post-1814 so I can avoid breeches. I've managed to dodge knickerbockers my whole career."

He also spoke about his partnership with John Smedley and confessed he initially thought the offer was an April Fool's joke.

Bill said: "When I was young, I aspired to being a mod - but I had difficult hair, which partially disqualified me. One of the essential items back then was a John Smedley three-button leisure polo. They were quite expensive, so I'd save up for them - I had a jam jar on my shelf where I'd put money away each week for a new color. Part of me, irrational as it is, believes I invented the idea of wearing a John Smedley polo under a jacket.

"When John Smedley called, I honestly thought it was an April Fool's joke. It felt beautifully symmetrical the brand had been part of my life since I was a teenager.

"I wanted to make sure I wasn't just window dressing, so I asked my agent to tell them I wanted to take four inches off the men's cardigan-mostly to get their attention. I've always thought cardigans were too long - you end up folding them or tugging at the hem."