He was a trainee welder for his father who, having made ‘brass’ with his foundry business, drove young Sean to work in his Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. He grew up in a two-bedroom council house in Sheffield (‘Me mam and dad still live in it,’ he says proudly), and attended the local comprehensive but showed little academic ability. Whereas here everyone’s laid back, pragmatic and realistic.’ ‘You can never enjoy a meal without hassle and everyone’s promising everything and a lot of it is bull.

‘It’s good working in America up to a point, but to overstay your welcome is not a good idea. ‘I feel more comfortable here, it’s where I’m from and people are like-minded,’ he says. He spent eight years in Hollywood but the mention of it provokes a sigh. Gunning for glory: Sean Bean starred as the title role in ITV's award-winning drama Sharpe To be famous and seen in clubs and bars - is that it?’ But if you court publicity you can’t complain if you get pestered. I feel a bit queasy at the thought of attending premieres and stuff. ‘I like a good drink like the next man,’ Bean says, lighting another cigarette. He is the least luvvie actor I have ever met.

He speaks slowly and softly, seems to find the floor fascinating and only makes eye contact when he looks up and flashes a big, bashful smile. He wears his 52 years well - at 5ft 10in he has muscles that still ripple. I’m not a massive fan of science fiction and fantasy, but when it’s got that edge it’s a different story.’ The fantasy of the show was there at the beginning and then goes quite dark. When you’re a kid you’ve got your horse, your sword, your helmet and your armour. Fur better or worse: Sean Bean as Lord Eddard Stark in Game of Thrones

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