Sean Bean says he found role in new BBC drama Broken nerve-wracking

DESPITE appearing in numerous blockbusters and enjoying global fame, Sean Bean says his latest role gave him the jitters.

Broken is BBC1’s six-part drama about a Catholic priest who presides over a Northern urban parish.

Sean plays Father Michael Kerrigan, a flawed, maverick character, who is counsellor and confessor to a community struggling with its beliefs in modern day Britain.

“Though I’ve had dealings with priests and churches before, I’d never really thought about playing a priest,” confides Sean.

“I’ve been in church and seen priests in front of me, but when you’re actually up there, looking the other way and you’ve got the vestment on it’s quite a different story, let me tell you.

“I found it quite nerve-racking the first time.

“I wanted to get everything right – I guess that’s the thing.

“It took me a little while to relax into the part. From what I gather, priests do get nervous.

“I won’t say it’s like first night in theatre, but I’m told it’s similar.”

Sean describes his character as “well-meaning but also carrying a lot of sadness, guilt, grief and very horrific memories of the past.”

It was those traits and the way Father Michael was sold to him by creator and writer Jimmy McGovern that really made him hungry to be involved.

“When Jimmy came up with the idea of playing a priest I was very flattered that he should think of me to play the role,” he admits.

“I jumped at the chance. I wanted to play Father Michael because it’s such a terrific story. His writing is real and just straight from the heart.

“When I read episode six I was just knocked out by it because I was wondering how it would end.”

Broken, BBC1, Tuesday, 9pm.