Ricky Butler, from Askern, donned pirate gear to be transformed quite literally into Hollywood superstar Sam Neill's right hand man.

He hand doubles for Sam during a scene in a new 13-part big budget American television show based on the story of Robinson Crusoe.

Ricky, has his arm grabbed by a slave on a pirate ship as he is pulled aboard the vessel in the forthcoming drama Crusoe which also stars South Yorkshire actor Sean Bean.

In the next scene, Jurassic Park star Sam is seen being pulled onto the boat called The Grand Turk.

Ricky, who has appeared as an extra in British TV shows including The Royal and Shameless, doubled for Neill to save the big name actor climbing the 20ft rope ladder up to the deck of the ship.

He said: "I never imagined I would be a body double for a big Hollywood star – and the great thing is I got paid extra because of that.

"I had to climb a 20ft ladder onto the galleon to be pulled up by another extra.

"It was a great couple of days and I got to share a boat with Sam Neill.
"It was brilliant. He had a real aura about him.

"It was a great experience and it was the first time I've ever been a pirate."

Ricky's role saw him travelling to Whitby for two days. For the role he dressed up in period costume, grew his stubble for two weeks and had his hair specially cut.

And it may not only be Ricky's right arm that looks familiar. Members of the crew told him the pirate costume he donned for filming had also been used in the blockbuster Johnny Depp movie Pirates of the Caribbean.