IT’S 24 years since Hugh Grant hit the big time in Four Weddings and A Funeral.

Not only did it introduce him to a new audience but it also started a run of very similar roles for Grant which called for a charming twit or an engaging rogue.

Today, though, he’s 57 and feels too old for romantic roles. However, while his fans may find his latest acting foray unusual, there’s simply no denying that Grant has more talent than many people thought.

He takes the lead role in a new Sunday evening TV series A Very English Scandal. This centres on Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe (Grant) being charged with conspiracy to murder his ex-lover Normal Scott at a time when homosexuality had only been decriminalised a few years previously.

Casting Grant in this role was clever and astute. Although looking faded here, there’s still the innate charm and charisma demanded as Thorpe and he is certainly believable.

It will be interesting to see where Grant’s career goes from here.