Michael Sheen has shared his thoughts on Welsh independence in an interview with the Times. An outspoken advocate for Welsh identity and culture known for his support of local initiatives and rousing speeches to the national football team, Sheen has spoken directly about independence on surprisingly few occasions.

In an interview with the Times, the Port Talbot-born actor who gave up his OBE and describes himself as a "not-for-profit" actor, explained why he moved back to his hometown, his task of playing Prince Andrew in upcoming series A Very Royal Scandal and Aneurin Bevan in National Theatre production Nye. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.

When quizzed on whether he sees himself as a kind of icon for an independent Wales - often described, jokingly or otherwise, as a potential head of state - he said: "I’ve never actually spoken about independence.

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"The only thing I’ve said is that it’s worth a conversation. Talking about independence is a catalyst for other issues that need to be talked about. Shutting that conversation down is of no value at all. People say Wales couldn’t survive economically. Well, why not? And is that good? Is that a good reason to stay in the union?"

Citing examples of modern-day Welsh issues (the impossibility of travelling from north to south Wales via train without a detour through England, funding cuts to National Theatre Wales and issues with local journalism), he said he wanted to have these conversations and think of Wales as a "living entity."

He added: "We had a great rugby team in the 1970s, but it’s not the 1970s anymore and, yes, male-voice choirs make us cry, but there are few left. Mines aren’t there either. All the things that are part of the cultural identity of Wales are to do with the past and, for me, it’s much more about exploring what is alive about Welsh identity now."

Sheen's latest drama, The Way, is a three-parter presciently following a fictional family who bring about a revolt in Port Talbot after the steelworks are closed. When production started he had no idea of the "devastating" job losses that would be hanging over the town by the time it aired. Get the best user experience with WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android

The Way will available in full on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Monday 19 February, and airs on BBC One at 9pm with episodes airing weekly. It is Sheen's directorial debut.