Jack O’Connell has revealed how he dreamt of fry-ups and Guinness while he was dieting for Unbroken.

Jack O'Connell as Louie Zamperini in Unbroken
Jack O’Connell as Louie Zamperini in Unbroken (Universal Pictures)

The former Skins star had to embark on a strict eating regime to play the emaciated former Olympic-winning athlete turned prisoner-of-war Louie Zamperini in Angelina Jolie’s biopic, but he admitted he hallucinated over his favourite foods.

“I was hallucinating. I’d have killed for a good fry up. Beer, Guinness, I couldn’t go near Guinness for however long,” he said.

Once filming ended, Jack said he couldn’t even enjoy his dream. He joked: “And then, sod’s law, we finished the diet and my stomach had shrunk so even when it was time to eat, I couldn’t. Science!”

Jack O'Connell in Unbroken
Jack O’Connell plays Louie Zamperini in the film (Universal Pictures)

Jack, who considered joining the Army before his career took off, said the experience would have served him well.

“I dodged a bullet there. I dodged a bullet quite literally. I’ve got tremendous respect for the lads,” he said.

“I find whatever experience I had at the Army, I find very useful on set – the whole idea of standing to attention and dealing with authority helps your day along.”

Angelina Jolie and Jack O'Connell in Unbroken
Angelina Jolie chose Jack O’Connell to star in Unbroken (Universal Pictures)

The 24-year-old actor, who was hand-picked by Angelina to play Louie, has carved out a successful career in film, winning acclaim for his performances in Starred Up, ’71 and This Is England. But he admitted he only started acting because it was a way to make his name away from his hometown of Derby.

“That was all with one eye slightly focused on now, because hopefully and essentially there was a way out of where I’m from, and a chance to really define myself and do something with my life,” he said. “It is very humbling recalling all of that.”

:: Unbroken is in cinemas now.