Aidan's Shocking New Role

The games of thrones star has a host of tricks up his sleeve.

- Judy Kean

He’s well known around the world as conniving Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish from Game of Thrones, but followers of the fantasy TV series might not recognise actor Aidan Gillen in his next major role.

He’s playing controversial Irish comedian Dave Allen in a TV biopic and he’s so convincing, it’s hard to believe it’s the same person who portrayed one of Game of Thrones’ most hated characters for six years.

In the flesh, Aidan (49) bears only a passing resemblance to Dave, who died in 2005 aged 68. But he spent many hours watching video clips, studying the way the comedian walked, talked, smiled and even tilted his head when telling his irreverent stories.

“It’s not a question of being a lookalike, it’s about capturing those things that made him,” says Aidan. “Thoughtfulness and melancholy really come through when you look at him, either on or off camera.”

Dave Allen at Peace delves into the life of the comedian, whose stories and skits poking fun at the Catholic Church and religion in general made him hugely popular but often landed him in trouble.