A FORMER World Kickboxing from Wirral has become a big screen baddie after breaking into the world of film.

Lee Charles from Birkenhead has made two movies back-to-back for production company Lionsgate.

Lee, who runs the Ultimate Martial Arts Centre in Birkenhead and is a five times World Kickboxing Champion received a message back in November from Joey Ansah, who appeared in big screen hits Bourne and Snow White & the Huntsman.

Joey asked if Lee would be interested in making a film with Hollywood star Scott Adkins, who appeared in Sylvester Stallone’s action sequel Expendables 2.

The film, Green Street Hooligans – Underground was made throughout December in locations across London.

Lee has previously worked in film as a stuntman, so this was a chance to showcase his talents as an actor.

His work on Green Street Hooligans – Underground caught the eye of director James Nunn and producer Ronnie Thompson, who cast him in their next movie project I Am Soldier, which was also a Lionsgate production.

Lee was given the role of lead villain in the movie which stars Noel Clarke, who appeared in Star Trek into the Darkness, Tom Hughes, who appeared in Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s Cemetery Junction.

Lee told the Globe: "when I set out on my journey within the martial arts I never had the vision of myself becoming an actor in movies, even though like everyone else I dreamt of it.

"But it goes to show that with hardwork and dedication you can achieve your own personal dreams.

"I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to work along some fantastic actors and now as a result I have further movie projects lined up for the rest of the year.

"I have had so much help and support from my parents family and everyone at my gym.

"Without this help and support I don't think I would have done what I have, so I owe a lot to them all."

He continued: "without the martial arts I would never of achieved the things I have.

“I think it is important to teach the ethics passed down to me from my Masters, Brian McKinney and Benny Urquidez and give kids the opportunity to strive for more in life.

"Hopefully trying to be a good role model for these children will help them pursue their dreams, whatever they maybe."