Alan Cumming reveals how suffering abuse from his father taught him to act

Alan Cumming (Amanda Benson/BBC/PA)

Alan Cumming has said suffering abuse at the hands of his father taught him “good qualities” for becoming an actor.

The 57-year-old Scottish star, best known for roles in Emma and Goldeneye, recalled on Desert Island Discs how he and his brother endured emotional and physical abuse as young boys.