Soap fans open-mouthed as legendary star makes debut in blockbuster spy thriller - and is worlds away from his TV roots

Daily Mail​

4 days ago

Fans of The Assassin were baffled after seeing a familiar face from the past in the new Prime Video drama.
The crime thriller hit screens just days ago, and stars Brit actors Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore.
The six-part series follows the life of a retired assassin, now living in Greece, who reunites with her estranged son.
But the mother's dangerous past proves difficult to escape, and forces the pair to go on the run together.
Their strained relationship faces even more adversity when a dark conspiracy unfolds before them.
So far, the show has been well received, and was even more so when a well known soap star made an appearance.
But can you guess who it is?
The actor is none other than Alan Dale, the New Zealand star who played patriarch Jim Robinson in the Australian soap Neighbours.
The 78-year-old features in the new series as supporting character Aaron Cross.
But he gained fame and a loyal following from his eight years on the beloved Aussie serial, having left in 1993 to pursue US roles.
Alan briefly reprised his role as Jim when he appeared in a dream to his on-screen son Paul Robinbson, played by Stefan Dennis.
Since his departure from the show, Alan has had notable roles in Ugly Betty, The O.C., Homeland and sci-fi drama series Lost.
In his new role in The Assassin, he plays a ruthless billionaire who has made his fortune in the mining industry.
Star Keleey Hawes most recently appeared in BBC series Miss Austen.
The period drama was quickly praised as 'perfect Sunday night viewing' after just one episode.
But he gained fame and a loyal following from his eight years on the beloved Aussie serial, having left in 1993 to pursue US roles
The first instalment of the BBC series aired on February 2 and stars Keeley as Cassandra, as well as Game of Throne star Rose Leslie as Isabella Fowle.
Exploring the sisterly bond between Cassandra and Jane Austen, the four-part drama was filmed in and around the home counties.
Adapted from Gill Hornby's best-selling novel, BAFTA-winning writer Andrea Gibb has taken the tale of Cassandra notoriously burning Jane's letters and explores the sisters' challenging relationship.
This summer has proved an exciting one for British TV dramas, with a new police thriller also released this month dubbed 'the new Line Of Duty'.
The popular show, titled Karen Pirie, first hit screens in 2022 and the second series launched on Sunday evening.
Following Scottish DI Karen Pirie, played by Lauren Lyle, as she tackles cold cases, the programme based on Val McDermid's novels.
The show is produced by World Productions, the same company behind other hits including Bodyguard and Line Of Duty.
The first episode saw Detective Karen investigate a challenging kidnapping case when a man's body is found.
The new six-part series follows the life of a retired assassin, now living in Greece , who reunites with her estranged son
The new season of Karen Pirie was well-received by some fans who took to social media to rave.
One posted on X: 'Enjoyable first episode of the new series, so intriguing I immediately binge-watched the other two on ITVX!'
Another chimed in: 'I thought #KarenPirie was excellent TV, looking forward to next Sunday.'
Someone else said: '35 minutes in and I'm hooked. This is brilliant #KarenPirie.'
'Feel like I've been waiting a lifetime for this new series of #KarenPirie,' one fan posted.
'The new Line of Duty I think!' someone else said, according to WalesOnline.
Another reportedly added: 'Watched the first three episodes already! So good.'
'Tried watching #KarenPirie but really don't care about any character past or present. Boring drama by numbers.'
The Mail's Christoper Stevens rated the drama an impressive five out of five stars.
He described the story line and various 'plots as deep and dark as a coal mine shaft'.
'The characters aren't merely well drawn — they're alive, constantly seeking to understand and learn more about each other,' the critic gushed.