One of the stars of this year’s Love Island All Stars has a famous father who features in what many fans deem the ‘best gangster movie ever made’.
Belle Hassan is among the 12 former Love Island contestants currently gracing the ITV spin-off show, hoping for another chance at love.
She shares the spotlight with past winners Jess Harding and Millie Court, as well as recent series newcomers Helena Ford and Tommy Bradley.
Now aged 27, Belle first entered the dating show as a Casa Amor bombshell back in 2019. She paired up with Anton Danyluk and they were both evicted from the villa together, only to part ways just weeks after leaving the ITV show.
Viewers have expressed their joy at seeing Belle return to their screens, although her transformation from blonde to brunette initially left them struggling to recognise her.
Despite her reality TV past, some viewers are only now discovering the identity of her famous father – 57 year old actor Tamer Hassan. His acting credits include Football Factory and Game of Thrones, where he portrayed Khal Forzho, a member of the Dothraki tribe.
He has also made two appearances on BBC soap EastEnders , reports OK!
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Yet one of his most acclaimed performances is currently available on Prime Video. The 2004 thriller Layer Cake, helmed by Matthew Vaughn – the filmmaker behind Stardust, Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class and the Kingsman trilogy – remains a standout in his filmography.
Hassan shares the screen with an impressive ensemble cast, including Daniel Craig, who would subsequently become James Bond, alongside Tom Hardy, Ben Whishaw, Sienna Miller and Michael Gambon. Adapted from the novel of the same name, Hassan takes on the role of Terry, who aids the unnamed protagonist played by Craig.
The plot follows a prosperous drug dealer whose plans for retirement are derailed when he’s compelled to rescue a trade magnate’s daughter.
Simultaneously, he must track down ecstasy tablets valued at £2 million. The film holds an impressive 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and stands as the highest-rated production Hassan has featured in during his distinguished career.
It continues to be warmly received by audiences, with one fan writing: “Fast, exciting, some could even say brilliant. This movie has it all and its clear why it’s a classic.
“The acting is spectacular, the twists and turns of the plot always keep you guessing, sometimes it feels a bit too fast but by the end of it all you will not regret watching it.”
A further viewer commented: “One of the coolest movies out there.. Daniel Craig shows why he became James Bond.. Worth seeing. Matthew Vaughn made an energetic movie.”
Meanwhile, a third fan declared: “Sublime. One of Craig’s best films, with a fantastic supporting cast. The sound track is as cracking as the film too!”.
The film is evidently a standout showcase of Hassan’s skills, with another viewer going as far as to proclaim: “One of the best British gangster movies ever made. A mystery drama as well, well acted, well written. Crime classic.”
Layer Cake is streaming on Prime Video and NOW while Love Island All Stars continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
