Statham acknowledges debt to Ritchie

Movie action man Jason Statham owes his entire movie career to Guy Ritchie, who gave him his big break in movie Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels.

Statham insists he would still be where Ritchie found him, a street seller, had Ritchie not taken a chance and cast him as a gangster in the British movie.

The actor - now a Hollywood big-hitter - says: "Without him I'd still be working jewellery and perfume on the streets. It's not like I had further education or exams.

"He's a complete inspiration. I love his movies and he's got great taste. If I do need to ask him a question, he'll give me his opinion and it's always a very valued one."