Hugh told The Daily Telegraph's Mandrake column: "It's true that my age
sometimes worries me.

"Each birthday is an almost unpleasant date. I told myself that being single
in your thirties is fine. But at 46 it's a bit worrying.

"I would like to get married but at the same time I'm horrified by those
couples that I see around me and the lack of affection and passion that can
result from the passing of time."

Hugh's excitement and open chat comes days after the Crown Prosecution Service said no charges would be filed over claims that Hugh Grant threw a tub of baked beans at a photographer and kicked him.

Ian Whittaker alleged that the incidents took place in April when he was trying to photograph the actor's ex-girlfriend Liz Hurley. She lives near his west London home.

Grant was arrested and released on bail over the assault claim but prosecutors have now said there is "insufficient evidence" for charges.

A spokeswoman explained: "We have advised the police that there is insufficient evidence to charge Hugh Grant with any offense in relation to an allegation that he kicked a photographer.

"This is because there were clear discrepancies between the accounts of independent witnesses and those of the photographers involved.

"In relation to a second allegation involving a take away food container, the CPS decided that a prosecution would not be in the public interest."