The actor used £100,000 of his own money to help people struggling with debts
Michael Sheen was called a "hero" by viewers as he helped hundreds of people clear debt in his new documentary Michael Sheen's Secret Million Pound Giveaway.
In a bid to raise awareness of social injustice, financial strife and the way that big banks and credit finance companies profit from vulnerable members of society, the actor set out to wipe out the debt of strangers in his hometown of Port Talbot, using his own money.
He had no idea who he had helped for data protection reasons but said he wasn't bothered as it was "about making a difference and a point", leaving fans saying he was "a breath of fresh air" and calling him "a legend".
Sheen -- who has previously declared himself to be not-for-profit actor, meaning he puts a lot of his earnings into charity and community projects -- explained that he wanted a "fair" credit system. He said he was hoping to raise awareness in order to drive through change.
"The plan is that I am going to use £100,000 of my own money to try and buy a million pounds worth of people's debt from round here and then once I've bought it just write it off," he said.
He went on: "I want a system that is fair, where those in need can access credit at rates that won't send them spiralling into further debt. I want to be able to do something which grabs attention, so I can challenge the banks, the politicians, to try and force wider change on the system to make it fairer."
"I'm prepared to take a massive financial hit myself to try and make it happen," said the Good Omens star, who grew up in Port Talbot.
"I'm going to make some enemies doing this. There are people doing very well, thank you very much, out of the way things are."
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It took the star some time to set up his plan and when he did, around 900 people were informed that their debt had been transferred and that it was being written off.
"I really hope that has made a difference," said Sheen.
He also met with Gordon Brown to talk about how to move forwards with the Fair Banking Act, which would make banks more accountable. The former prime minister vowed to help the actor get the kind of meetings he needed.
Viewers were impressed with Sheen's mission, with some posting messages on social media saying what he was doing was moving.
"That there are humans on this Earth like Michael Sheen gives me hope in a world full of greed obsessed, self serving people," one said on X. "Making me quote emotional watching this. Imagine what the world's richest men could accomplish. God bless you x."
"You're a bloody hero mate," said another.
One posted: "Welsh actor Michael Sheen is a legend: wipes away £1 million of debt for those in need with his own money to highlight greed of current credit system."
"In a world where billionaires strive to be trillionaires Michael Sheen is a breath of fresh air," said someone else.
Another wrote: "'If there were more people like Michael Sheen, the world'd be a better place.' Amen to that."
"You are an incredible human," remarked another viewer. "I really hope you get the answers you want from the banks - and we're all behind you in your endeavours. Absolute gentleman! Keep fighting the good fight."
"I've got a new hero - Michael Sheen is quite something else!" said another viewer.