Ray Winstone has described John Thaw as an 'icon'.
The actor is set to take on the role of Jack Regan, a character made famous by Thaw, in a movie remake of hit show The Sweeney.
And Winstone admits that he always liked the script that was presented to to him but he knew he that he wouldn't be able to better his performance.
Speaking on Daybreak the actor said: "Five years ago they came up with the script and I thought it was a good idea, I love the show.
"Eventually I thought, 'What am I doing here? This man was an icon and I was lucky enough to work with the guy, and I really liked him and he was one of my favourite people'.
"Why do I think I'm going to do better than that? Well you can't. You have to go and make your own film. The only thing that's the same is the fact that it's called The Sweeney."
The movie will see Winstone team up with Ben Drew aka Plan B as he will take on the role of George Carter.
Nick Love is in the director's chair for the movie while Hayley Atwell, Damien Lewis and Paul Anderson are all also on the cast list.
The Sweeney is released 12th September.
Tagged in The Sweeney Ray Winstone