Hollywood actor Michael Sheen is penning a new drama to combine his two passions: acting and activism – while refusing to rule out standing as a politician.
The Good Omens star, a passionate campaigner against social injustice, has started working with the brains behind Channel 4’s Brexit drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch – writer James Graham – on a story set in the steelworks in his hometown of Port Talbot.
Michael wants to “focus on telling stories more to do with where I come from and what’s going on there”, so has started the project to “address those issues but not in an obviously direct way”.
But after fuelling speculation last year that he could stand as a Labour MP, the actor say politics could still come calling.
“There’s a lot of reasons why that is not a good idea,” he laughs, adding: “I wouldn’t rule it out.
"My biggest strength is I don’t work for anyone – I’m not getting wages from someone I have to answer to.
“I can do whatever I want. Why would I find myself in a position thinking ‘what does the leader want?’”
Meanwhile, he describes himself as “Indy-curious” regarding the idea of Welsh independence but adds: “It’s a huge risk.”
- Watch Michael chat to Sarah Montague on Hardtalk, on the BBC News channel or iPlayer, from next Thursday.
