RAY WINSTONE - WINSTONE: 'I'M TOO YOUNG TO PLAY SOAP DAD'

BEOWULF star RAY WINSTONE has turned down a part in popular British soap opera EASTENDERS - because he is too young to play the role offered. The long-running television programme is currently casting for the villainous character Archie Mitchell, dad to Ronnie, who is played by actress Samantha Janus. But 50-year-old Winstone - who is friends with Janus - has rejected the producers' request, insisting he is too young to take on the part. He jokes, "I'll play her fella (love interest) but I'm not playing her dad." An insider at the BBC says, "We want to get a British acting icon for the role. It will be a few days' work and not a major commitment. Ray felt he was a bit too young." Executives are said to be considering veteran actors Sir Michael Caine, Sir Ben Kingsley and Bob Hoskins.