MICHAEL Sheen stars as David Frost in Oscar contender Frost/Nixon, based on about the infamous post-Watergate interview the former US President gave to the British talkshow host, which is released in cinemas today.

The actor has revealed how he ended up stalking the real Frost – people don't tend to recognise the name Michael Sheen until you mention Tony Blair. Better known for his uncannily life-like impersonation of the former Prime Minister in the 2006 film The Queen than for his roles in Blood Diamond and Laws Of Attraction, the boyish 39-year-old actor is still trying to break free from Downing Street.

He's managed an escape of sorts in Frost/Nixon, where he plays another British institution, Sir David Frost.

The film began as a play by Peter Morgan and has already been a hit with stage critics, but will British film audiences admire his portrayal of the much-loved television journalist as much as they adored his Tony Blair?

In Frost/Nixon, David Frost is presented as a failing 70s TV personality, desperate to boost his flagging career.

In a bid to make his name he buys the rights to carry out the first television interview with disgraced ex-president Richard Nixon after the Watergate scandal.