Riding With Finn Jones

A quick photo from Finn Jones , who will play Ser Loras "The Knight Of Flowers" in HBO's upcoming series A Game Of Thrones.

Here we are riding down a country laneway in the English countryside:

"The Mountain That Rides"

Thanks to Finn for uploading the photo and allowing me to steal it, saves me from bluetoothing it on Friday, and thanks to Winter Is Coming for alerting me that he'd already put the photo online. 

Conan Stevens Action Figures!

Well, almost, but not quite. In fact there are Ser Gregor Clegane Action Pewter Miniatures, but being pewter and about 32mm (1 & 1/ 5 inch) tall there isn't too much action either.

Ser Gregor Clegane Fighting The Red Viper (Book 3) 

So OK, it's not Conan Stevens and it's not action and it's a miniature - but since when did truth get in the way of a good fantasy story?

Why am I talking about these in the first place? This is the interesting bit George R.R. Martin, the author of the Game Of Throne book series that HBO has license personally wrote me an email today....

Oh yes, and a little about my horse riding training... 

The Training Of Gregor Clegane

I have now been in Belfast for 4 days, most of the time sitting in my hotel room, trying to work on my new book (yes I know I was supposed to finish it already, but there were some other issues that took priority ).

The incredible life of an actor includes me going to the gym and then sitting in front of my laptop eating a can of baked beans and a tin of sardines ( combined 40g protein, 38g carbs and some good fish oils), or chicken sandwiches or instant noodles with a tin of tuna mixed in, or fruit and low fat natural yoghurt, or oatmeal and skim milk, you get the picture.

I'm in a nice hotel, I've got a daily food allowance, I'm getting paid - why the heck am I eating like a self supporting University student? 

For more on meeting Jason Momoa and Rory McCann and Gregors armour read on...

Flying To Belfast Today

I fly to Belfast, Ireland tonight to start work with HBO's new TV series Game Of Thrones as Ser Gregor Clegane.

I have some armour fittings, sword training and horse riding lessons (it's been a long time since I rode last) to do before my filming starts.

Better go and pack my bag, lucky I am rather experienced at International travel now and it'll take me about 30 minutes, then to go get all my paperwork in order and try to relax a little.