A WEST Cumbrian actor has appeared in a new Sky Max television program.

Simon Underdown is an actor from Hayton, near Aspatria, and has appeared in the new series of Funny Woman which is out now on Sky Max TV.

Simon appears as a high court judge in episode three of the new series of the comedy-drama, set in 1960s Britain.

Funny Woman's cast also features Gemma Arterton, Asher Ali, Tom Bateman, and Matthew Beard among others.

Simon was put forward for the role by Phil McKay from Lakeside Casting Agency who believed that the west Cumbrian was perfect for the part.

He said: "The production company producers sent me the first draft of the script for episode three and asked me to get Simon to read it as the judge to the camera... the first time you read now is by self-tape.

"They then asked me to get Simon to tape the second draft of the script and again I sent it through, and they really liked the idea of Simon playing the judge in Funny Woman.

"Simon with his wig and gown on was in court for two days in front of lights, cameras, and all the other actors on this very funny sitcom."

Simon Underwood in a previous roleSimon Underdown in a previous role (Image: Lakeside Casting)

Simon, 65, wanted to become an actor after retiring from his previous role as a chiropractor, with Phil helping the budding actor get into the industry.

He said: "Simon is a natural in front of the camera. He has done it for many years now and has had a string of roles, from beer adverts, playing a solicitor in a law firm advert, and did the advert for Audible."

Simon added: "Had I not contacted Phil at Lakeside Castings nothing like this would have ever happened.

"When I started at the acting workshops I met so many actors of all ages and it builds your confidence with good team-building, scripts, monologues, and improvisation."