Lee Evans has told The Manchester Evening News that he can see a lot of himself in his new role in ITV drama, The History of Mr Polly.

Lee says: “It’s a really nice adventure about someone who’s a bit odd, a bit unconventional, a bit like me, really. I like characters that aren’t part of the system, who aren’t clock-watchers. I could really relate to Mr Polly [Alfred]. There’s definitely a bit of me in him.”

Executive producer Michele Buck says: “The History of Mr Polly is a beautiful tale about following your dreams and how you can alter the course of your life, if you are brave enough to make the changes.”

Lee thinks Alfred is unique. “He sees the world in a different way to everyone else. He’s the kind of person that if you met him in today’s society you would think he was bonkers. He mixes words around and makes words up because that is what is in his head. Mr Polly is expected to conform, but he is raging inside and can’t show it.”

“He does things he has to do because he thinks he should. He gets married to Miriam and they run this shop together, but they are both really unhappy. Mr Polly decided to kill himself by burning the shop down, but then ends up rescuing his elderly neighbour from the fire and becoming a hero.

“He can smell adventure and wants to escape, so he sets off in search of something different. He finds this idyllic pub run by a beautiful woman and is delighted with his new life.

“But he realises for the first time that he must fight for what he wants.”