Look out, Swallows - Moriarty's after you: Sherlock villain is back as a spy in 'updated' children's classic that he describes as 'a very different kettle of fish' 

  • Andrew Scott's latest role couldn't be more different to villain Moriarty 
  • Surrounded by his young co-stars, 38-year-old Scott is all smiles on set  
  • He described his character Lazlow as having 'a great humour and warmth' 

By Chris Hastings, Arts Correspondent For The Mail On Sunday

Published: 19:31 EST, 18 July 2015 | Updated: 20:07 EST, 18 July 2015

As menacing criminal mastermind Moriarty in the hit BBC series Sherlock, Andrew Scott strikes fear into the hearts of viewers.

But the actor’s latest role could not be much more of a contrast – as these exclusive pictures from the set of his new film show.

Surrounded by his young co-stars, Scott, 38, is all smiles as he plays secret agent Lazlow in a big-screen version of the children’s classic Swallows And Amazons.

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Warmth: Andrew Scott with fellow Swallows and Amazons star Bobby McCulloch, filming in the Lake District

Warmth: Andrew Scott with fellow Swallows and Amazons star Bobby McCulloch, filming in the Lake District

Three of the Walker siblings on set
The children's two dinghies Swallow and Amazon

Adventure: Three of the Walker siblings on set, left, and the children's two dinghies Swallow and Amazon

Scott has described the part as a big change from Sherlock, commenting: ‘It’s a very different kettle of fish altogether. [Lazlow] is a very charismatic character and there is great humour and warmth.

‘It’s a great part; it’s very witty. It’s a very attractive character to play.’

He told Variety magazine last week: ‘I am delighted that this is a film that my godchildren can come and watch, because some of the stuff I’ve done before has been a bit adult themed.’

The film is the third major adaptation of the Arthur Ransome children’s novels. The plot follows the adventures of Walker siblings John, Susan, Titty and Roger, their mother and baby sister, as well as Nancy and Peggy Blackett and their uncle Jim – known as Captain Flint.

The books are set in the Norfolk Broads and Lake District and the title refers to the names of dinghies used by the two sets of children.

Change: Andrew Scott as villain Moriarty, with actor Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes. Scott said his latest part as a big change from Sherlock, saying: 'It's a great part... It's an attractive character to play' 

Change: Andrew Scott as villain Moriarty, with actor Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes. Scott said his latest part as a big change from Sherlock, saying: 'It's a great part... It's an attractive character to play' 

In the film, which also stars Boardwalk Empire actress Kelly Macdonald and Jessica Hynes – known for BBC comedies W1A and Twenty Twelve – Scott’s character finds himself in pursuit of the reclusive Captain Flint, played by Rafe Spall.

Last month, it was revealed the character of Titty had been renamed Tatty to avoid sniggers from the film’s audience.

She is played by Teddie-Rose Malleson-Allen, while Dane Hughes, Orla Hill and Bobby McCulloch co-star as the other Walker children.

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