Mike Tyson: "I Want a Part on Downtown Abbey"

The genteel world of Downton Abbey may be receiving an unlikely visitor in the shape of Mike Tyson, after the former heavyweight boxing champion declared an interest in appearing in the hit TV show.

In an interview with ShortList, he revealed: "Maybe when I fly to the UK they'll give me a part on Downtown Abbey (sic). I like that show. I'm sure they could give me a part."

He also demonstrated a love of another iconic British TV institution, saying "I watch Benny Hill, and if you watch Benny Hill, you'll watch anything".

The fifth series is scheduled to go out next year - will the producers give Iron Mike a call? We wouldn't like to bet on who'd come off better in a argument between him and Dame Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess.

To read the full interview, check out this week's issue of ShortList

(Image: Rex/PA)