TONY Roper has announced his retirement at the age of 79. 

The legendary comic actor and the writer of The Steamie said he had "no intention" of returning to the stage or screen, in an interview with the Daily Record.

He said: "To all intents and purposes I have retired and have no intention of going back on the stage or the TV screen but I will never say never."

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The 79-year-old who played Jamesie Cotter in Rab C Nesbitt for 26 years added:"If someone came along and said, 'I would give you a load of cash to do this,' or make a Marlon Brando-style cameo then I would be a fool to say no but at present and with the current Covid climate, it is highly unlikely.

"Let's just say I'm keeping a teeny tiny door open just a crack but can't see me ever flinging it wide again."

Tony started his career in the entertainment industry at the age of 27, after performing a number of odd-jobs, including working as a brickie and a delivery driver. 

He went on to play parts in TV's Scotch & Wry, Rab C Nesbitt and an early version of Only An Excuse. 

He survived cancer 30 years ago and made the comments at a fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support. 

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The comic legend went on: "I enjoyed every second of it but to be honest I've never bothered my bum about being an actor.

"It was just a job and a means to an end. It wasn't my vocation. Although I loved it, I don't miss any of it. I don't miss acting. I don't miss writing.

"I will always be a creative person but now I express it through my painting and learning to play the harmonica.

"I'm quite happy to bond with the sofa and binge-watch my way through crap TV programmes. I've enough money to last till I pop off. I don't need fancy cars and I have enough suits.

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"Seeing The Steamie fill the Hydro last year was one of the happiest moments of my life.

"I had written something that had stood the test of time and made audiences laugh. What more could I want? I've been a very lucky man."