Rafe Spall wants to keep acting to "provide" for his family.

The 43-year-old star - who has three children with his ex-wife, actress Elize du Toit, and a child with partner Esther Smith - has insisted he's motivated by his loved ones rather than taking on specific types of roles.

Asked if he has any genres, parts or franchises in mind, he told the Metro newspaper's 60 Seconds column: "No.

"I want to keep being in a position where I can provide for my family, whether that's wearing a spacesuit, tights or a cowboy hat."

Rafe - who has appeared in the likes of Black Mirror, The Ritual, I Give It A Year, Green Street and Trying - admitted that becoming a father for a fourth time has given him "perspective", particularly being in his 40s.

He explained: "I was 27 when I had my first child and 42 when I had my fourth.

"It means you're aware that nothing lasts forever when you're raising kids: sleepless nights, potty training. Everything passes and when it goes you miss it.

"I always prided myself on being the youngest dad in the playground because I was one of the youngest dads. I won't be with my and Esther's baby."

While his partner Esther has been working on a play, Rafe rented a "place in the country" where he was based with his four children and his eldest's daughter's friend.

He said: "I had five children on my own, trying to find activities for children ranging from 15 to two.

"Making dinner with a two-year-old on your hip, sometimes you go, 'Oh boy, wouldn't it be nice to just sit down and relax' but what would I be doing?

"Scrolling through s*** on my phone? Having kids gives me a lot of meaning and worth."

And Rafe insisted despite the wide age range between his kids, he doesn't have a favourite period.

He said: "They're all wonderful. When they're tiny, it's gorgeous. Our youngest daughter is two and it's delightful when they start talking.

"My son is nearly as tall as me and is ostensibly a teenager but he's still the little boy I've always known.

"I saw that the US actor Bob Odenkirk was once asked, 'Who do you envy?' and he said, 'People with young kids' because at the end of the day you've got a load of clothes to pick up and s*** to sort out.

"It gave him meaning and I identity with that."