The actor, who used to live in Hackney, chose the theatre specifically for an interview about hit film The King’s Speech

British actor Colin Firth learned of his latest Oscar nomination while at the Hackney Empire this afternoon (Tuesday).

Firth, who once lived in the grade two-listed Sutton Place in Homerton, was filmed live by the NBC Today Programme at the historic Mare Street theatre when he heard that he was up for Best Actor for his role in The King’s Speech.

He had been interviewed earlier on the theatre’s stage about the hit film for CBS show 60 Minutes.

He told staff he had specifically requested to film at the Empire as it was his local theatre when he lived in Hackney and he held fond memories of it.

Susie McKenna, Hackney Empire creative director, said: “We were delighted to have Colin Firth, a British icon here at the Empire today. He is such wonderful actor and a great guy, and we are so pleased he remembers us with such fondness. We wish him good luck with the Oscars.”