By Robert Haile

As Sky’s new period drama George and Mary hits screens in the UK people watching might not realise it stars a Cumbrian.

The seven part series is based on novel The King’s Assassin by Benjamin Woolley and adapted for the screen by DC Moore (Killing Eve, Temple).

It has Sean Gilder playing Sir Thomas Compton the husband of Mary Villiers (Julianne Moore) and stepfather to George Villiers (Nicholas Galitzine).

The Brampton born actor attended Queen Mary, University of London earning a BA (Hons) in Modern History and Third World Studies before training at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Gilder went on to secure a part in nautical adventure tv series Hornblower as Styles before landing roles in Martin Scorsese’ Gangs of New York and Antoine Fuqua’ King Arthur.

It was back on the television screens that Gilder staring as Paddy Maguire in Shameless became well known.

Dr Who came calling as The Sycorax Leader, Midsomer Murders and now Netflix’s The Last Kingdom and BBC Poldark.

Sky Original George and Mary is available on Sky Atlantic or all episodes are on demand.