BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER star ANTHONY HEAD narrowly missed out on the iconic role of GILES in the hit show, because he hated the 1992 movie the TV series was based on.

LITTLE BRITAIN star Head was ready to turn his back on the hugely successful TV show after being horrified by the film version's "uneven" tone, and worried the show was going to turn out the same.

It was only until the film's writer and creator of the show Joss Whedon begged him to reconsider insisting the show would be nothing like the film, that he came back on board.

Head, who is currently on voicing duties for video game DESTROY ALL HUMANS 2, says "I read the script and thought it was the funniest thing I've ever read. I was in a coffee shop and I was spurting my drink everywhere.

"Then I saw the film and it was so uneven. I was so disappointed but Joss was like 'No. Oh god no. Don't compare this to the film. This is how the film should have been.'

"And he was right. I'm glad I listened to him."