SHELLEY actress Lena Headey is starring alongside Sean Bean in a new epic medieval fantasy series.
The former Shelley High School pupil will play Cersei Lannister in HBO’s much-anticipated fantasy adaptation of the Game of Thrones.
Based on George R R Martin’s popular fantasy book series A Song of Fire and Ice, the story is set in a mythical kingdom where an epic battle for power is taking place.
Lena joined Sean and cast members for the shoot and the effects-driven drama was shot on location in Northern Ireland and Malta.
In an interview on HBO’s website, Lena said of her character: “She is quite tricky, layered and power mad, smart and political. She has a hard time trusting anyone.
“There is a definite sense with Cersei that if it will further her game of power she’ll get rid of anyone, it doesn’t matter.”
Lena has come a long way since she was talent-spotted in a production by her school at the National Theatre in London.
She went on to star in The Remains of the Day, St Trinian’s and 300, and has appeared alongside Sir Michael Caine, Vanessa Redgrave, Jeremy Irons, Roy Winstone and Sir Anthony Hopkins during her career so far.
Now she shares the small screen with Sheffield-actor Sean Bean, who plays Ned Stark.
Sean said of the series: “It’s a big, scrawling epic story, full of fascinating characters, different, rich characters – you don’t know how they all fit in.
“It’s very dense and multi-layered and that’s what I find intriguing and fascinating.”
The series, which the producers describe as fantasy and not a replication of any historic period, will debut on April 17 in America, although no UK date has yet been set.
