Actor James Cosmo has said he never watches himself on screen – but he plans to make an exception for his latest thriller.
The Scottish acting legend, 77, has starred in more than 100 films and played as many TV characters in a career spanning 60 years.
But despite appearing in iconic productions from Trainspotting – in which he played Renton’s father – and Braveheart to Game of Thrones, he admitted he doesn’t watch them.
Cosmo, who made his screen debut in a 1965 episode of Dr Finlay’s Casebook, said: “I don’t watch anything I’m in – I don’t enjoy it.
“I would rather maintain the illusion that I was good in something, rather than actually see it and be disappointed.
“I love watching stuff but when you see yourself it’s just not the same.”
Cosmo said he could break his own rule for his latest three-part series Fear.
The psychological thriller, filmed in Glasgow last year, premieres on streaming platform Prime Video on Tuesday.
It features Line of Duty and The Rig star Martin Compston and Vigil and The Lazarus Project actress Anjli Mohindra as Martyn and Rebecca, a couple excited to make a fresh start in a beautiful house in Glasgow with their two young children.
At first the new home seems idyllic, but when their neighbour makes unnerving comments to Rebecca it turns out to be the start of something far more intimidating.
Facing accusations that are every parent’s worst nightmare, and with the authorities refusing to step in, Martyn and Rebecca feel they have nowhere to turn to for help.
Cosmo plays Martyn’s father, while other Scots in the cast include Maureen Beattie, Daniel Portman and Solly McLeod as the troublemaking neighbour.
Cosmo said: “I don’t watch myself but I do want to see Fear so I think I’ll make an exception because I know it’s going to be terrific.
“It’s a three parter but I guarantee people will watch the whole thing in one evening. You’ve got to. You can’t wait and see what happens because it’ll grab you.”
Cosmo, who lives in Surrey, said filming in Scotland again was “special”, adding: “I love working up in Scotland, and seeing my pals. It does make it special.
“There’s a lot of warmth for me in Scotland, which is lovely.
“Then I come back (home to Surrey) laden with square sausage and round pies.”
