A Sharpe shooter of a show

MARION McMULLEN recalls how Sean Bean stepped into the breeches 30 years ago

RICHARD Sharpe was a gruff workingclass soldier battling Napoleon’s forces abroad and prejudice at home.

He was made an officer after saving the Duke Of Wellington’s life and quickly found himself heading an elite squad of crack riflemen who were often tasked with the most dangerous missions.

The ITV series launched 30 years ago in May, 1993, with Sharpe’s Rifles and was based on writer Bernard Cornwell’s series of bestselling books.

Sean Bean took the role of the charismatic swashbuckler who could always be counted on to step in and save the day when the rich officers around him messed up.

Future 007 star Daniel Craig made an early TV appearance in one episode, while James Bond villain Toby Stephens appeared in two episodes playing a character called Major Hogan. Guest stars over the years also included Liz Hurley, Pete Postlethwaite and Succession actor Brian Cox. Sean met his third wife, actress Abigail Cruttenden, while they were both working on Sharpe and they were married for three years. The TV specials were filmed in the Crimea, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and England and were popular in countries around the world.

Sharpe eventually called an end to his fighting days and hung up his sword in 2008 in two-part special Sharpe’s Peril which took the action to India. Bernard Cornwell even dedicated his book Sharpe’s Battle to Sean Bean, saying: “When I write Sharpe these days, I hear Sean’s voice.”

The Sheffield-born actor said Sharpe had a huge impact on his life and career and admitted he used to keep Sharpe’s famous green jacket in his own wardrobe at home... along with the sword.

Sean revealed: “I wore it a few times, but had another one made as well. I don’t usually go around dressed like that by the way.”

Warne finished his Test career in 2007 with 708 wickets in 145 matches, the second most in history. A statue of him by sculptor Louis Lauman was unveiled outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 22, 2011, alongside icons of the game like Sir Donald Bradman, and Dennis Lillee on the Parade of Champions.

2005: THE 600 CLUB

The spinner would reach a major milestone on August 11, 2005 when he picked up his 600th Test wicket. He’s one of only four players to reach that number, alongside Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, India’s Anil Kumble and England’s Jimmy Anderson. Warne is pictured on the morning of the Old Trafford Test in which he got his 600th victim - Marcus Trescothick.

1993: A WARNE WELCOME

England fans were far more concerned about the Aussies’ fearsome quick Merv Hughes than their promising young leg spinner when the old enemy arrived for the 1993 Ashes series. That changed with his first ball. Famously obdurate top order batsman Mike Gatting was utterly befuddled as the ball pitched well outside leg stump, only to jag back and clatter into his off stump. A momentarily stunned Gatting appeared to pause for a moment... seemingly unable to believe what had just happened before heading for what was now a very nervous England dressing room.

It was the first of 195 Ashes victims for Warne over the years, but it remains the most memorable.

Sean with co-star Liz Hurley in 1993

Sean Bean took over the role of Richard Sharpe at short notice

2000: RAIN STOPS PLAY Warne sheltered at the County Ground in Southampton before his Hampshire debut. He signed for one season, but would return to captain the club between 2004 and 2007, bagging 276 wickets and scoring two centuries.

1999: THE CUP THAT CHEERS In the following years Warne would continue to make short work of the world’s best batsmen. He added the ICC World Cup to his trophy cabinet in 1999. Ever the man for the big occasion, he put in yet another man-of-the-match performance in the final, taking four wickets for just 33 runs as the Aussies cruised to victory against a talented Pakistan side.

1994: BEER WE GO AGAIN Picture: Ben Radford/ allsport It was a case of deja vu when England travelled Down Under to contest the Ashes again the following year. Warne , picked up where he left off, taking 27 wickets in a five-test series the Aussies dominated. They emerged 3-1 winners, with one Test drawn. Above, man-of-the-match Warne (centre) celebrates with team mates after taking 8 for 71 in Brisbane.

1993: HE’S XXXX-RATED Warne’s mesmeric bowling saw the Aussies celebrate a 179-run victory in the first match at Old Trafford. It would set the tone for the following Tests. Warne terrorised England’s batting, helping his team to a 4-1 series win. He finished as top wicket taker with 34.

2001: THE FAB FOUR Warne relaxes in the dressing room after victory in the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval. With their ‘Dream Team’ bowling attack of Warne, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie, Australia were simply too good for England, winning the five-test series 4-1. Yet another defeat meant England had not held the Ashes since 1989.

OWZAT? Gatting is left scratching his head as Warne, right, produces a magical ball

2011: LEGENDARY STATUS