Paul McGann revealed how a football injury caused him to lose the lead role in the TV series Sharpe.
No Sharpe turns for Paul
A cruciate knee ligament injury might not be career threatening for an actor, but it certainly cost Paul McGann an iconic role.
The British actor had been cast as the lead in the TV series Sharpe, before sustaining the injury in a group bonding football match, just 24 hours before the first day of shooting.
Despite that early setback the 51-year-old has gone on to have a successful career in both TV and film, including the brilliant black comedy
Withnail and I.
But he told
Soccer AM he was still gutted not to be able to play the part, which was eventually taken on by Sean Bean.
"I was Sharp, I was that man for about two months," he said.
"We went out to the Ukraine to shoot the first series and for a little bit of R&R to get us all together on the Sunday before the Monday - which was the first day's shooting - we played footy on the beach.
"It was in a tackle and what made it worse was that it was the executive producer bearing down on me.
"We went for a diagnosis and they said (it was a) 'sprain'! It was a Ukrainian sprain! They're tougher out there.
"So I soldiered on for about six weeks, but this 'sprain' never cleared up so they had to get rid of me and Sean got the job."
Reds
One of six siblings, the Liverpool-born actor has been a Reds season ticket holder for 27 years, along with his three brothers.
Kenny Dalglish's men have already tasted Carling Cup glory this season after beating Cardiff City in the final, however their lack of consistency in the Premier League has seen them drop to seventh in the table, 10 points off a Champions League place.
And McGann admitted he fears it could be a few years before the Merseysiders are battling it out at the top of the table again.
"I love them to bits, but to be honest I can't see them challenging for the title in the next few years," he said.
"It just ain't the way at the moment, is it? Unless someone comes in or something happens.
"On any one day they can play, but it's sustaining it and it's really in their heads now. But I'm glad Dalglish is back."
