She is not the first woman to develop a questionable relationship with a prison ‘lifer’ over a series of letters and occasional visits under the watchful eye of prison guard.

But bit-part TV actress Paula Williamson insists she is more than just another woman who has developed an obsession with a ‘bad boy’.

No, says Ms Williamson, her relationship with Charles Bronson - one of Britain’s most infamous prisoners - is the real thing.

The 36-year-old has given a lengthy newspaper interview in which she insists that she and Mr Bronson, 64, will eventually marry when he is finally released after 43 years and counting behind bars, and settle down to a happy retirement together.