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How much of the drama is based on real-life events?
"I think it's meant to be based on real events, but there are some parts which are made for TV. Essentially the story is the same as what is already out there - it's just now being portrayed on television."
Were you nervous about portraying George Best?
"I was incredibly nervous! I think because everyone knows who he was - and even if they didn't know him, they have an opinion on him. So I felt quite nervous. I remember just after we started filming, I had a bit of a break-down and spoke to the producer - it felt like a huge responsibility."
Was there a pressure to get the story right?
"Yes and no because as far as the story of George Best is concerned, it's all out there in the press and everyone knows about it. But this wasn't focused on alcohol or anything like that - it's the story of an incredible lad who wants to be a footballer. I tried to pay attention to detail - at one point I actually went to the producers and suggested I have some chest hair stuck on because I noticed George did and I didn't!"
Did you have to tread carefully over the portrayal of alcoholism?
"Not really, because it's not really about that. As far as alcohol is concerned, it's more about his mother. The focus is his mum and his family trying to deal with George becoming famous as a footballer, and his mum turning to drink as a result of that. He's not really seen in the film doing a huge amount of drinking - no more than the next lad his age. Of course, we all know what actually happened, but that's not where the film takes it."
Did you do a lot of research for the role? Did you speak to any of George's family?
"We did a lot of reading and things like that but as far as the family were concerned, they were unconnected to the film. They were aware all the stuff was already out there, and that's fair enough. We tried to speak to a lot of people who knew him and it was amazing because everyone we met had something to say - he was an incredible character."
Are you a football fan?
"Yes I am. I used to play in school, but as soon as everything got a bit competitive, I knew it wasn't for me! I was on the tube the other day and it was after the Chelsea match and everyone was going crazy screaming across at each other. I just can't imagine ever getting that excited about it! But that's how it is in the film, and how it must have been for George - it's crazy."
How did working on something like this compare to series like Waterloo Road and Skins?
"This was a lot more intense - we filmed it over four weeks, which is incredibly fast and compact. With something like Waterloo Road it was a lot slower and because I had a relatively small part - I mean, my character wasn't a main - I wasn't in filming so much. Plus, that is all filmed in one place, whereas we travelled about for this film."
Do you miss Waterloo Road?
"I think by the time I left, I was ready to move on. It would have felt like a step backwards to stay there. But I loved it there - it was a great place and it taught me all I know. I wouldn't be being offered new roles if I hadn't worked on that programme."
Best: His Mother's Son airs Sunday at 9pm on BBC Two.
