RENFREWSHIRE actor Richard Madden has picked up a Golden Globe for his role in gripping BBC drama Bodyguard.

The 32-year-old, from Elderslie, saw off competition from Ozark’s Jason Bateman, Homecoming’s Stephen James, Pose’s Billy Porter and Welsh star Matthew Rhys, who was recognised for his part in The Americans.

Speaking after accepting the honour on stage at the ceremony in Los Angeles, Madden said the award was a “wake-up call” that will give him more self-confidence.

Here, we look back to 2007 when the rising actor spoke to the Evening Times about his role as Romeo in a UK tour of Shakespeare’s classic:

Wherefore art thou Romeo? Actually, he's from Elderslie!

A YOUNG Scots actor is to play one of the most famous lovers in history as part of a prestigious UK tour.

Richard Madden, 20, has been cast as Romeo in a new production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

The outdoor performance will be a homecoming celebration for Richard, as the second date on the 16-venue tour is Glasgow.

Richard is from Elderslie, near Paisley but lives in Cowcaddens, Glasgow, while studying at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

Richard, who is now rehearsing in London, said: "I have dreamed of playing this part - it's amazing.

"It's such a hard thing to take on because Romeo's so messed-up and so young - I never thought I'd get to play him without even graduating.

"I'm still trying to find my place as an actor and Romeo is trying to find his place in the world. I think we pair up quite well.

"I can't wait to get back to Glasgow - it will be great to open there."

The play is on in the grounds of Glasgow University as part of next month's West End festival.

The production is being staged by the famous Shakespeare's Globe Theatre company, which aims to create an Elizabethan-style theatrical experience for audiences.

Richard is part of a crop of students from the RSAMD acting degree course who are already working professionally while still studying.

He's already appeared in Tom Fool at the Citizens Theatre and in London, and in Bard in the Botanics, a series of Shakespeare plays at Glasgow's Botanic Gardens.

Hugh Hodgert, Richard's course leader at RSAMD, said: "It's a big step for him but I think he's ready for it. We're thrilled.

"Increasingly people are looking to our graduating students because we are proving the quality is there."

Earlier this month, the Evening Times told how Richard's classmate Colin Morgan, 21, was starring in the London West End play Vernon God Little.

Other students Joseph Arkley, 24, and Tunji Kasim, 20, are both in plays in London, while Andrew Hawley, 22, has just finished a run in The History Boys at the National Theatre.