As far back as we can remember, Craig Fairbrass has given us that ‘ard man stare that’s become synonymous with the good old British “gangster” movie. This week, Fairbrass is back in the slow-burn drama ‘Villain’ where he plays an ex-con with the desire to go straight – a role in which we don’t see the tall and brooding Fairbrass in all that often.

The film follows the harrowing journey of Eddie Franks (Fairbrass). After being released from prison after 10 years, Eddie attempts to help his family by reconnecting with his daughter (Izuka Hoyle) and clearing his brother’s (George Russo) debt. Despite his best efforts, he finds himself drawn back into a life of crime, with devastating consequences.

We sat down with Fairbrass  – who cut an intimidating figure – to talk about his latest film, the public’s love of a good gangster movie, and how the old school criminal is becoming just as extinct as the dinosaur.

Villain is released in cinemas and on digital February 28th