The Sweeney star Ray Winstone says he is nothing like his hard-man image in real life

Actor Ray Winstone at the European premiere of The Sweeney in London's West End Credit: Ian West/PA Wire

British actor Ray Winstone revealed that he is a big softie in real life.

The 55-year-old actor admitted that he is not as tough as the characters he plays at the European premiere of The Sweeney in London's West End.

"I'm not tough at all in real life. Loads of things in life scare me," he said.

In Nick Love's big-screen remake of the cult 1970s TV series starring John Thaw and Dennis Waterman, Winstone steps into Thaw's shoes as Detective Inspector Jack Regan.

Rapper Ben Drew (aka Plan B) portrays his loyal partner George Carter.

Hayley Atwell arriving for the UK premiere of The Sweeney Credit: Ian West/PA Wire

Captain America star Hayley Atwell, who looked stunning in a blue lace dress by Pucci, and Damian Lewis, best known for his Emmy-nominated performance as Sergeant Brody in US series Homeland, are also in the cast.

"It's weird. It's almost like it should be the last job I ever do. Let's hope it's not," he joked.

The Sweeney opens in cinemas on September 12.

Nick Love, Ben Drew, Hayley Atwell, Ray Winstone and Damian Lewis Credit: Ian West/PA Wire

Daybreak's Richard Arnold caught up with Ray Winstone before the premiere.