Colin Firth has pulled out of voicing the famous Paddington bear in the new movie adaptation.

Despite the film being almost complete, the Oscar-winning actor decided to walk away from the project because the beloved character “doesn’t have my voice”.

Borrowing the phrase used by Gwyneth Paltrow to describe her split from Chris Martin, Firth said: “After a period of denial, we’ve chosen ‘conscious uncoupling.

“It’s been bittersweet to see this delightful creature take shape and come to the sad realization that he simply doesn’t have my voice. I’ve had the joy of seeing most of the film and it’s going to be quite wonderful. I still feel rather protective of this bear and I’m pestering them all with suggestions for finding a voice worthy of him.”

The actor’s split from the film was amicable, as director Paul King confirmed as well.

“I cannot thank Firth enough for his contribution to Paddington. We love the voice and we love the bear, but as our young bear came into being we agreed that the two didn’t seem to fit. So, with somewhat heavy hearts we decided to part ways,” King said.

The film also features the voices of Nicole Kidman, Peter Capaldi, Sally Hawkins and Hugh Bonneville.

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