HE’S the man who (allegedly) gave James Bond a few tips on acting.

Louis Emerick, who played ‘Mick’ in scouse soap opera Brookside for 12 years, worked with Daniel Craig in the hit 2004 gangster thriller Layer Cake.

“Being in Layer Cake is definitely up there for my career,” said Louis, who played Liverpool crime boss Terry.

“Daniel was such a sweetheart, just a lovely guy from the Wirral.

“You knew then he had star quality written in him, and the James Bond stuff was already being talked about.

“Being in a couple of scenes with me probably helped him.” After removing tongue from cheek, Louis talked about the character he is best known for.

“Even now, when I walk down the street, people call me ‘Mick’ and that’s lovely,” he said.

“When I was in Brookside, you don’t realise the effect it was having.

“Now, when you still hear comments about it, you know it must’ve been special.”

Louis started his career in amateur dramatics in Manchester and spent two years working in theatre before the camera called. The versatile actor is now starring in comedy ‘The Ciggy Run’ at St Helens Theatre Royal.

As pub owner Chrissie, he tries to import cigarettes with two friends from Spain to make money to fend off, respectively, a local gangster, the recession and a demanding wife.

Louis added: “It’s a play that people can relate to and there are some strange characters in my pub.

“We did it a couple of years ago and it went down really well, so now it’s back by popular demand.”

‘The Ciggy Run’ is on until Saturday. For tickets and times, call the box office on 01744 756 000 or go to sthelenstheatreroyal.com.