Is Ray Winstone a sexy symbol? Well we wouldn't think so but many, it seems, would.

The The Sweeney actor is shocked to learn that women consider him a sex symbol - because he is a '55-year-old fat man'. The actor plays tough cop Jack Regan in his latest flick and his various hardman roles have gained him a huge female following.

Ray - who has been with his wife Elaine for over 30 years - is bemused that women find him attractive but he's happy to be thought of as sexy.

He said: 'I don't know what's appealing to women - I'm a 55-year-old fat man... I think it's the way you treat women that makes you sexy. You've got to be genuine, you've got to be a bit of a gentleman and a little bit of a rogue at the same time... But if people think I'm a sex symbol, fantastic.'

Fans get to see Ray get steamy with his 30-year-old co-star Hayley Atwell in the film - a remake of a classic 70s British TV show. The 'Snow White and the Huntsman' star admits he caused a stir on set when he stripped off to reveal he was wearing bright lemon yellow underwear. In an interview with the Daily Star newspaper, he said: 'They were just the pants I had on on the day. And I like yellow underpants.'

'The Sweeney' also stars Plan B - real name Ben Drew - Damian Lewis and Steven Mackintosh. Out this Friday! Check out our video here where we send Mark to Mondello Park to brush up on his own car chasing skills.