Bean's first foray onto the small screen was in 80s BBC TV play Winter Flight.

Little is known about this one, but it hinted at themes (forbidden passions, military life) that would play a prominent part throughout Bean's career.

As this was set in Cambridgeshire and Bedford, Bean had to use his RADA training to fit in vocally.

Still Sharpe? The military theme was a hint of things to come, but Bean's tough nut character bears none of the hallmarks of his signature role.