ANYONE walking through Greenock town centre the other day would have been forgiven for putting their hand on their head and declaring: “I don’t be-leeve it!” For strolling through the sunshine was none other than Richard ‘One Foot in the Grave’ Wilson, who was here to promote his political views and take part in a question and answer session at the Beacon Arts Centre.

The Greenock-born actor and director has never made any secret of his support for the Labour party, just as fellow Greenockian Martin Compston is a fervent SNP backer and makes an appearance on one of their general election broadcasts.

Richard received a warm welcome from the public on a sunny day in his home town. The down-to-earth thespian may be one of the best known faces on British TV, but he has none of the big-headedness often associated with such stars.

Celebrity endorsements of political parties are not as common here as they are in America, where Arnold ‘The Terminator’ Schwarzenegger became Republican governor of California and was even touted as a possible presidential candidate until it was pointed out he didn’t qualify because he was born in Austria.

Scots actors, however, seem to be particularly keen on putting their head above the political parapet. Sean Connery and Brian Cox also support the SNP, for example, while David Tennant has used his voice on Labour broadcasts.

But do actors influence elections? That, voters, is up to you!