Hugh Laurie: 'There's a big jerk inside me'

Hugh Laurie has revealed that he wants House to bow out on a high note - when he signs off.

But the British actor, who has become a star in the US thanks to his portrayal of curmudgeonly Dr Gregory House in the medical drama, said he tries not to think about when the show could come to an end.

"We don't talk about when we'll pack it in, but when the time comes, I think it would be good to have sort of a clean finish rather than just trailing off - I'd like to go out with a bang, not a whimper," he told Parade.com.

Hugh is still interested in the character, who he has played for six seasons.

"House is a character I still am fascinated by. I think that's part of an actor's job, to love the character you play," he continued.

"I would be foolish not to go the distance playing him, however far that may be. I know a lot of people think he's often a jerk. There are all sorts of aspects of House that I feel very sympathetic toward. He's a complicated man so I can't just dismiss him as jerk."

The 50-year-old reckoned his successful portrayal of the doctor comes from his own experience.

"I don't know why I portray that so convincingly. I suppose there's a big jerk inside me - there must be. That's the only explanation. Although most people think I'm a pretty nice guy!"