A STUNT actor from Farnworth got that sinking feeling when he starred in a new music video.

But Paul Flanagan is certainly not out of his depth as the main character in the short film, who spends most of his time either under water or on fire, while mouthing along to the lyrics.

The video for Deathstimate, written by alternative metal band Therapy? was filmed at Eccleston Delph Scuba Diving Centre near Chorley and was edited and directed by Bolton production company Sitcom Soldiers.

Real life action man Mr Flanagan, who has appeared in Hollywood blockbusters including Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Wrath of the Titans and Moulin Rouge, was tasked with finding a way to stay under water for long periods of time while the cameras rolled.

Oh, and of course he had to perform every stunt actor's staple — setting himself on fire.

Mr Flanagan, aged 61, said: "We were up first thing in the morning and did the fire gag first, for which I used my fireproof stunt jacket. We shot the rest under water and I had to wear a weighted belt to keep me submerged, so it was a real challenge to film.

"I obviously had to hold my breath for extended periods but as I've got older sadly that time has lessened. I used to be able to do more than two minutes, but now it's nearer to one minute.

"We shot it in September so thankfully it was sunny and not too cold in the water."

Mr Flanagan first met the team behind Sitcom Soldiers, including Ben Thornley, after being involved in a project called Wreck My Dress, which allowed people to become a film star for the day.

The experience was launched in London two years ago in front of various TV stars who didn't realise they were actually being filmed for a viral promotion video.

Mr Flanagan said: "I did some stunt work for Ben when I filmed the Wreck My Dress experience, where once again I was set on fire.

"So for this video, Ben gave me a call and asked me whether I still had a beard, which I often have to grow long for various parts. I said yes but I could shave it, but he said to keep it.

"The video looks great. It's nice to be involved in something a bit different — usually I'm trying to get out of a burning car or crashed aircraft. It was lots of fun and I'm delighted to have been a part of it."