Richard Curtis ends successful directing career

Director Richard Curtis arriving at the premiere of 'About Time' at Somerset House, central London. Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Director Richard Curtis has confirmed that his latest film, About Time, will be his last, bringing an end to a hugely successful directing career.

ITV News' Nina Nannar reports:

Having lost his parents in the last five years, Curtis said he now wanted to spend more time with his family:

Bill Nighy defended Curtis against criticism that his films represent a too optimistic picture of Britain, saying it takes "courage to make these kind of movies".

About Time stars Domhnall Gleeson as Tim who, with the help of his father played by Bill Nighy, finds he has the ability to revisit the past to win the heart of Mary (Rachel McAdams).

Curtis, 56, became a household name after co-writing the television comedies Blackadder as well Mr Bean and The Vicar of Dibley.

He went on to direct a series of hugely popular romantic comedies including Notting Hill, Four Weddings And A Funeral and Love Actually.