Liam Neeson has told the BBC’s Andrew Marr show that seeing Ian Paisley preach as a child was something that inspired him to act.

The actor recalled how, as a boy, he would creep into the gospel hall of the politician and churchman to hear him speak.

Neeson remembered being awed by Paisley’s height and stature.

He described Paisley, who is known for his impassioned speeches and sermons, as being “very, very intimidating but “extraordinary”.

“He was a firebrand, he was like throwback to some 19th century preacher,” the Schindler’s List star said.

Neeson was the voice of Aslan the lion in the film versions of the Chronicles of Narnia and resumes his role as Ra’s al Ghul in the forthcoming Batman release, Dark Knight Rises.

He spoke of his desire to return to theatre at some point in the future.

“I have to get back on stage again,” he said. “It’s how I started so I feel I owe something to the world of theatre. It predates cinema by like 4,000 years so you feel you have to pay homage to it every now and again.”