Who is Ian McElhinney? Game of Thrones star who plays Lance Bryne in EastEnders spin-off Redwater
REDWATER, the EastEnders spin-off focusing on Kat and Alfie Moon's search for a long-lost relative, is airing its final episode of season one tonight (June 22).
Among the new characters in Redwater is Lance Byrne, played by Ian McElhinney. Here's the lowdown on the veteran actor...
Who is Ian McElhinney? What's his background?
Ian McElhinney was born on 19 August 1948 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
He has a glittering career that spans more than thirty years, starting in a 1981 film named Cowboys.
Ian originally taught drama at Goole Grammar School, before quitting to chase fame for himself.
Who does Ian McElhinney play in Redwater?
Ian is playing a character named Lance Byrne in the EastEnders spin off.
Redwater will see Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) seeking her long-lost son.
Lance is said to an early ally for Kat as she searches the village of Redwater, with Ian's character being one who knows all about the locals and town history and thus holding information that might be helpful to Kat's search.
The EastEnders spin-off show continues on June 1 at 8pm on BBC One.
Who did Ian McElhinney play in Game of Thrones?
Ian played Ser Barristan Selmy in Game of Thrones - a respected knight who had been supportive of the Targaryen family in a war that preceded the show.
Book fans will be unaware of Selmy's fate, but TV viewers saw him killed off in 2015 when he was stabbed by members of a murderous cult called the Sons of the Harpy after he had rejoined the last remaining Targaryen family member, Daenerys (played by Emilia Clarke).
Who did Ian McElhinney play in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story?
Ian played General Dodonna in Rogue One - the character having previously been played by Alex McCrindle in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.
The character was originally a member of the Empire but defected to the Rebellion.
He is seen in the 2016 film helping in the mission to steal the plans of the Death Star - a giant device capable of destroying planets.
What other TV shows and films has Ian McElhinney been in?
Ian has appeared in many TV shows over the years including guest appearances in Cold Feet, Holby City, Queer as Folk, and Coronation Street.
More recently he appeared in The Fall as Morgan Monroe, as Theodore Swift in Ripper Street, and will play Val-El in Superman prequel Krypton.
In terms of films, he has appeared in roles including the 2010 rom-com Leap Year, Kenneth Branagh's 1996 version of Hamlet, and will voice a character in forthcoming animated film Zoo.
Is Ian McElhinney married?
Ian McElhinney is married to the OBE awarded playwright and actress Sarah Marie Jones.
The pair have three sons together.
Does Ian McElhinney use Twitter or Instagram?
Ian McElhinney is an active user of Twitter and can be found sharing images and personal moments under the handle @SerIanMc.
He does not appear to have an Instagram account.
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