Epic Mel Gibson film set to hit BBC 29 years after it was first released

Action film fans are in for a treat as a legendary Mel Gibson movie has been released on the BBC - 29 years after its original release.

In addition to a plethora of new shows and films arriving on the BBC in the coming months, including Nightsleeper and the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, the channel also revives old fan favourites.

One of its recent additions is a Mel Gibson classic - the 1995 epic Braveheart, where the actor plays Scottish knight William Wallace.

Set in the 13th Century during the Scottish Wars of Independence, rebel William Wallace (portrayed by Mel Gibson) and his clan, wage war against King Edward I of England following the murder of his bride a day after their wedding.

While William Wallace was a real historical figure, the film is reportedly riddled with historical inaccuracies, having drawn inspiration from a 12,000-line poem by Scottish poet Blind Harry.

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Despite its lack of historical accuracy, this didn't prevent Braveheart from winning several Oscars in 1996.

From best director and original score, to best screenplay and the most prestigious award of the night, best picture, Braveheart has certainly made its mark in cinematic history.

Gibson is accompanied by a host of other big names in the film, including Succession's Brian Cox, The Land Girl's Catherine McCormack, Columbo's Patrick McGoohan and Equilibrium's Angus McFayden.

However, not everyone in the Braveheart cast was a fan of the film due to its historical inaccuracies.

Actor Brian Cox didn't mince his words when he spoke to The Standard, saying: "Braveheart is a load of nonsense."

"Mel Gibson was wonderful but it's a load of lies. He never impregnated the French princess. It is b******s, that film."

Despite the criticism over historical accuracy, Braveheart remains a timeless favourite for countless fans.

Among Mel Gibson's other notable films are 'Hacksaw Ridge', 'The Patriot', 'Signs', 'Conspiracy Theory', and the iconic 'Mad Max' series.

Braveheart is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.