Ray Winstone hails John Wayne

Ray Winstone has revealed that John Wayne is one of his favourite actors.

The star told The Guardian that the western legend deserves more credit than he often receives for his acting ability.

Winstone said: "I just love westerns. One of my favourite actors is John Wayne, probably one of the most underrated actors there's ever been. He's quite an incredible actor.

"He had this way of being a big man, a big tough man, but he can almost show a sadness on his face - very much in the way James Stewart was, and Henry Fonda, you know? But because they were known as classical actors they got the recognition, didn't they?"

Asked if he identified with Wayne, he added: "Yeah, I think so. I remember watching The Long Good Friday one evening, and all the swearwords were bleeped out.

"Then the following week there was a film on with Laurence Olivier, Sir Laurence Olivier? Set in Italy, I think it was. And he swears in it - but he's allowed to swear. Because he's a classical actor.

"And poor old Bob [Hoskins] comes from Luton. And I remember thinking to myself, why on earth is Sir Laurence allowed to say f**k? Does it sound better or something? And Bob from Luton ain't. What, is it less offensive?"