'People in America thought I was out of my mind': Kevin Spacey pledges his allegiance to London as he opens up on House of Card's global success

He's been living in London for over ten years thanks to his role as artistic director of the Old Vic theatre.

But Kevin Spacey has admitted when he first revealed his relocation plans to his US friends, they told him he was 'f**king crazy.'

The House of Cards star is preparing to hand over the reigns of the Old Vic to its new artistic director Matthew Warchus this autumn, but the 55-year-old says he won't be saying goodbye to the UK when his tenure's up.

Londoner: Kevin Spacey, pictured at the London premiere of House of Cards last week, moved to the UK ten years ago for his role as artistic director of the Old Vic

The US star took over the running of the Old Vic in 2003, and has admitted it was one of the best career, and geographical, moves he's ever made.

'I love this country a great deal and there's nothing I can say about it that would be negative,' the actor has told The Times as he prepares to wrap up his work in the West End.

A decade ago though, he admits friends, family and colleagues across the Atlantic were worried he was giving up the bright lights of Hollywood for thankless job.

Pledge allegiance: Kevin stars as President Underwood alongside Robin Wright and Michael Kelly in Netflix's hit House of Cards 

House of Cards season 2 starring Kevin Spacey and Kate Mara

'People thought I was f**king out of my mind. Certainly in America they thought I was crazy. I don't look so crazy now,' the star has pointed out following his resounding success as artistic director.

As well as his theatre triumph Kevin has had huge success over the past few years with Netflix's money spinner House of Cards.