Return of the mystery man

Mar 19 2006

By Ian Robson, The Sunday Sun

Reluctant heart- throb George Irving is back on screen as another mysterious character with an undisclosed past.

The South Shields actor made his name playing the enigmatic surgeon Anton Meyer in hospital drama Holby City.

His television appearances have been rare since he quit the role, but fans who liked the way he handled the ice-cold Meyer will not be disappointed with his part in The Best Man.

He plays Miller, a disgraced cop emotionally scarred by an old case, in the two-part ITV1 drama.

George sees certain similarities between Miller and Meyer.

He said "I know how popular Meyer was and part of his strength was that the audience didn't know anything about him outside of the hospital where he worked. That set people's imaginations going.

"He was a very strong character, very charismatic, and got the audience wondering what he must be like.

"In fact he has a lot in common with Miller, there is a real depth to them both. People will be intrigued by him and a lot of his appeal is to do with the mystery of the character.

"That's very rare in drama, which has a tendency to over-explain. But this script stimulates the audience and lets people use their imagination."

Speaking of his character, George said: "When you see Miller in flashback he is a successful career policeman, but in present time he is living in a caravan on a rubbish dump . . . he has been on a big journey. His breakdown is just suggested in a few shots.

"Less was more in the case of Meyer and the same is true of Miller, his story is not spelled out but told sparingly and economically. It challenges the audience and assumes they are capable of working it out for themselves.

"One thing that becomes very clear during the drama is the relationship between what happened 20 years ago and what is happening in the present day. That's why I wanted to play the part."

Toby Stephens and Richard Coyle play childhood friends who have remained pals over the years.

But they share a dark secret that binds them together in a destructive and obsessive relationship.

George said: "Miller is the only character in the film played by the same actor all the way through. The two boys are portrayed in three stages of their lives so couldn't be played by Toby and Richard. It was great to portray Miller across that 20- year span when so much happened.

"That's what makes the character so interesting . . . the past and present."