Keeping Still Game return secret has been my biggest acting success, says Sanjeev Kohli

SANJEEV KOHLI says keeping the secret of Still Game’s return has been his biggest acting success.

Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill announced last week that pensioners Jack and Victor would be back for a new six-part series.

Fans have been going crazy ever since but Sanjeev, who plays shopkeeper Navid, has had to keep mum for two months.

“It’s been so hard,” Sanjeev told The Sunday Post. “Everybody kept asking and every second taxi driver was on at me about it.

“I really wanted to tell them but you’ve got to hedge your bets and say, ‘Oh I don’t know. Maybe.’ I kept thinking it was a better acting job than River City.

“I had to keep a poker face and it was really difficult because I’m a fan of the show as well. I’m really proud of it and I wanted to shout from the rooftops.”

Although he kept the secret after receiving the confirmation email, Thursday’s announcement saw Sanjeev’s phone go into meltdown.

The new series will also see the return of favourites Jane McCarry as Isa, Gavin Mitchell as Bobby, Paul Riley as Winston and Mark Cox as Tam.

It’s been nine years since the last series but Sanjeev reckons the amazing run of shows at the Hydro in 2014 – it sold out a record-breaking 21 nights – showed the love for the show.

“I’ve always felt we owed it to people to bring it back because of the faith they showed in us.

“Even after the stage show I felt there was unfinished business and we really should be back on the telly. It never felt like it had run its course.”

I've NEVER LOOKED MORE JEDI pic.twitter.com/CkBobfRmBa

— Sanjeev Kohli (@govindajeggy) May 14, 2016

But Sanjeev admits he’s at a loss as to just why the show is such a hit.

“The depth of love for Still Game baffles me.

“As well-written and well-performed as it is, I’m still surprised that five-year-olds and 90-year-olds watch it.”

Filming will start in July at BBC Scotland’s studios in Dumbarton, which Sanjeev knows well through shooting River City where he plays businessman AJ.

“I’ve actually got a week after Still Game so hopefully I won’t be showing up in Shieldinch in Navid’s costume selling Curly Wurly’s instead of pies.”

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