(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Tom Hanks has said that his granddaughter is "better than TV".

The actor became a grandfather for the first time earlier this year, and has described how exciting the new arrival is to him.

Born to his eldest son Colin, four-month-old Olivia already seems to be the apple of the star's eye.

"When babies are only four or five months old, they're much better than anything on television no offense," he told the BBC with a broad smile on his face. "But every moment that we spend with her is better than TV."

Currently promoting his new film Larry Crowne, which he wrote, directed and acted in, Tom also explained why he wanted to tell this particular story.

The 54-year-old has seen people like Larry who becomes a middle-aged college student after losing his job - during his own years in education.

"I went to junior college right out of high school because I had neither the marks to get into a true university, nor the funds. When I was there, there was a substantial amount of people who were twice my age," he said. "[I have filmed larger-than-life movies] but I have also always strived to say, Where is the accurate humanity in this? Where is the truth that anybody sitting in the cinema can say, I'd probably be like that guy right there.'" (C) Cover Media