Michael Sheen opens about about relationship 'challenges' and why ...

Welsh actor Michael Sheen faced a grilling on Friday, April 5 as he was interviewed as part of BBC programme The Assembly – which was made in conjunction with Autism Awareness Week (April 2-8). The Good Omens star, who was born in Newport but cites Port Talbot as his home, was asked a series of questions – both light and hard-hitting – by 35 neurodivergent people.

One of the early questions he was asked was by a young woman who said: “How does it feel to be dating someone who is only five years older than your daughter?” Michael has been in a relationship since 2019 with Swedish actress Anna Lundberg, whom he appeared with in Staged, and the couple have two children together.

The whole room descended into chaos after the actor, 55, was asked the question – but his answer was a little more poignant. “I think because of the age difference, I think both of us were quite surprised when we got together,” Michael said. “I don't think either of us were looking for that. It's not like I've dated lots of people who are much younger than me, but you meet who you meet.”

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In the past Michael has been in a number of high-profile relationships, including with actress Rachel McAdams and comedian Sarah Silverman as well as actress Kate Beckingsale, who he was with between 1995 and 2003. They share daughter Lily, who at 25 is five years younger than Anna.

Michael continued: “We were very aware of what differences that would make and also how people might respond to that. It's not like it was the easiest thing to do. We were both aware that it would be difficult and challenging. Ultimately, we felt it was worth it because of how we felt about each other. Now we have two beautiful children together.”

Michael and Anna have two daughters together, born September 2019 and May 2022, whom he called “wonderful”. Despite this, the couple’s age difference has brought the actor some concerns.

“Because of the age difference, I'm aware that I'm a much older father,” he said. “It does worry me. It makes me concerned and makes me sad thinking about the time that I won't have with them. Ultimately, I think if you find someone who brings you happiness and you make them happy, you have to go for that, I think. Definitely. That's what we decided to do. I'm so happy we did because we have this wonderful family now.”

Elsewhere in The Assembly, which is based on a French concept, Michael revealed his “first ever crush” and why he would never appear on BBC television series Strictly Come Dancing. Michael said of his first crush, John Taylor from Duran Duran: "I thought he was the most beautiful person I'd ever seen, man or woman. His hair was like a miracle. I used to try and make my hair like him. But what I didn't realise was my hair was very curly and his was very straight, and that doesn't really work."

As to why he wouldn't do Strictly, he added: "It's an amazing show, isn't it? It is fantastic. I would be such a terrible dancer on it, though. I'm not brave enough to go on. I'll be honest I don't like doing things that people watch me doing if I'm not very good at it. It makes me feel too vulnerable and insecure. I think that's part of what is good about [Strictly] and what's very brave about people who go on that show. It really takes a lot of guts."

Speaking ahead of taking part in The Assembly, Michael said: “I was thrilled to be asked to be a guest on The Assembly. It’s such a fresh and exciting idea and I can’t wait for what I’m sure is going to be a surprising and challenging experience. I really don’t know what to expect, which is both exhilarating and a little bit terrifying.”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, BBC’s Head of Entertainment Commissioning said: ”The BBC is delighted to introduce viewers to The Assembly. It’s a feel-good stand out entertainment show unlike anything viewers have seen before. Big thank you to Michael Sheen, for being game on to have a no holds barred interview with the superb interviewers who bring the show to life."

Executive Producers, Stu Richards and Michelle Singer added: "The Assembly has been the most remarkable project that most of us have ever worked on. And sure, it's a brilliant representation of a part of society we rarely see given agency on our screens but, far more than that, it's also mischievous, funny, profound, and can turn from one to the other in a heartbeat.” Stu added, “when we saw the French version of the show it blew my head off, and it's quite a large, cumbersome head so it really takes something impressive."

The Assembly is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.