Colin Firth always makes time for romance with his wife.

The 'Gambit' star has been married to his spouse, Italian film director Livia Giuggioli, for 16 years and although his acting career means he has to spend a lot of time away from her, Colin always makes sure they spend quality time together as a couple.

Colin told Britain's HELLO! magazine: ''There's no formula but you need to be attentive to not getting distracted by the routine things of living together and fine time for romance.''

He added: ''We make sure we take time for ourselves where we enjoy each other's company without worrying about anything else that might be going on.''

Colin met 44-year-old Livia whilst working on TV mini-series, 'Nostromo', in Colombia and admits he was anxious when he first saw her coming towards him.

He said: ''I recall standing on the steps of an old church in the town centre when I saw this vision of a woman walking through a crowd in the square.

''I almost became terrified when I saw her approach me, but I knew I had to go towards her and meet her.''

The couple have two sons, Luca, 12, and Matteo, 10, together.