Plan B: Ray Winstone's my idol

Plan B says it was thrilling acting alongside his "idol" Ray Winstone.

The pair star together in The Sweeney as policemen sidekicks Jack Regan and George Carter, who were originally portrayed by John Thaw and Dennis Waterman respectively.

"It was great, working with one of my idols. He comes from where I come from - but he's like the older example of me so [he gave me] any advice I needed," said the rapper-turned-director.

Plan B - whose real name is Ben Drew - admitted that he often asked for tips from his more experienced co-star.

"Being in an industry that is alien to us, he has experienced all the pitfalls and he's there to tell me what I need to look out for and give me advice through it," he said.

"It's great to do a film with someone that I love and respect and come out of it as friends, and know he's there on the other end of the phone line if ever I need to speak to him. It's better than any award I can think of."

The 28-year-old added: "He gave me acting advice. I do have my own methods, but it doesn't mean that he didn't offer me advice and I didn't listen."

Riz Ahmed and up-and-coming actors Ed Skrein and Anouska Mond star in Plan B's directorial debut iLL Manors, which is out now.