THE SATURDAY BIG READ

changes and new things happening.” Dunbar and a stellar cast, including Vicky Mcclure and Martin Compston, have served up stunning viewing figures, with series five Britain’s most watched television show last year.

It has also ensured Hastings is a character that follows the distinguished actor everywhere he goes.

Dunbar said: “People still look at me side-eyed around Ireland.

“I was in Sligo the other day and I was roaming up the main street.

“There was this fellow collecting for cancer and he was rattling his bucket and he just went, ‘How’s it going H?’

“That was it. Stupid stuff like that but it is all a bit of craic. People are very good and they like the character and the show.

“Playing Ted is a great role and I feel lucky to have got him at this stage in my career and infirmities.

“I am delighted they are different than the theatre work because that is the live gig. I am hoping to come to Dublin to do a play in the autumn.”

Before we get a glimpse of the new LOD season, Dunbar will be back on our screens when the hit drama Blood returns for a second series on Monday, February 24.

His character Jim Hogan was left reeling at the end of season one after the truth behind the death of his wife Mary was revealed.

She begged her doctor husband to help her end her life as she battled Motor Neurone Disease.

Jim’s daughter Cat was dumbfounded as he finally revealed the truth of her mum’s final moments. And his world continues to crumble in series two as his daughter Fiona is arrested for murder.

And the lead actor has claimed the show has become an international hit.

Dunbar said: “People are starting to watch Blood. We were doing some publicity for it in the US and we were on a platform between Better Call Saul and Ru Paul’s Drag Race.

“I was surprised at how much they got it in the US and it is a bit of a triumph for us and to get a returning drama series in Ireland is a remarkable achievement.

“It has done huge numbers in the UK for Channel 5 and they nearly repositioned themselves as a station on the back of Blood.

“It has carved its own little niche and I am hopeful it will keep going for