River City star Stephen Purdon has swapped shellsuits for nappies!

River City star Stephen Purdon celebrates his daughter’s second birthday today.

And even though he says little Layla’s already reached the “terrible twos” he and wife Nicola would love more of that kind of a headache.

“She’s wild, absolutely wild,” laughs Stephen. “She’s so hyperactive every day that she doesn’t give you a minute. But I wouldn’t have it any other way, I just love the way she is.

“I’ve been really busy working recently, so I’ve not had as much time with her as I normally do. Sometimes with River City you have flexible hours so I get the chance to take her swimming or to the swings.

“I’ve always wanted to have a family, so hopefully we’ll have another one soon. I’ve always seen myself as a father other people might not, mind you so I’ve always wanted to be a dad.”

Despite her very tender years Stephen says Layla’s proving to be a big fan of his screen favourite Bob.

“She watched last week’s episode about eight times,” laughs the affable 31-year-old actor. “She’s starting to really enjoy it and she’ll shout, ‘daddy, daddy,’ all the time.

“She gets right into it. There was a scene recently where we stole a car and I was shouting at Angus. Layla started crying because I was quite upset. She’s two going on 22.”

Stephen might want to tuck the remote out of Layla’s sight down the back of the sofa as there’s more woes for Bob this week.

Angus’s “cash for crash” scheme goes badly wrong when the other driver is left seriously injured.

“The guy goes through the windscreen and Bob’s getting in over his head. We shot it out on location and it looked all very dramatic.

“Things have been leading up to this and I’ve already had people stop me in the street to warn me not to get too involved in dodgy dealings.

“I grew up in the east end of Glasgow and I know people will call it as they see it.”

Stephen’s lack of time with Layla recently has been because he’s been fitting in filming of new Scots movie, I. Q You.

Work just finished on Friday and he’s back full time on the River City set tomorrow. It’s just coming on for 13 years since Bob and his famous shellsuit made their first appearance.

“I’d stay for another 13 years,” he adds. “River City’s given me a lot. I’ve got a nice house and a nice car through it. It hasn’t made me rich but it has given me a nice lifestyle and I’m very lucky.”