Spall goes from strength to strength

Timothy Spall, who is best known for his roles in low-budget, British character-driven films, is gaining a high-profile in Hollywood through his appearances in three potential blockbusters.

The British-born actor, who starred in the Mike Leigh films Life Is Sweet, Secrets And Lies, Topsy-Turvy and All Or Nothing, will be seen next month as the translator for Tom Cruise's character in the big-budget epic The Last Samurai.