Former Lost star Naveen Andrews says he has really enjoyed playing villain Lord Akbari in a new adaptation of Sinbad.

Andrews stars with newcomer Elliot Knight in the small-screen drama which premieres on Sky 1 HD on Sunday July 8th at 7pm.

It tells the story of Sinbad as a boy, before he became the hero whose story has so often been told on film and television.

Andrews said of the new show: "This is different to what has come before it, I think it has an emotonal relevance to people under 40."

The new series features several swashbuckling fight scenes, but Andrews says he tried not to participate in them unless it was absolutely necessary.

He admitted: "I just had to fight with swords and that was difficult enough, you know, I am old!

"I'll leave it to young people like Elliot to carry the banner of action and stunts."