Queen of the New Year: Greg Hemphill takes the plunge with new show

Greg Hemphill and wife Julie Wilson-Nimmo wild swimming in Loch Lomond

Still Game star Greg Hemphill says he can’t worry about viewers comparing his new sketch show to his previous hit series, otherwise he would never be able to do anything new.

Having made his name on sketch show Chewin’ The Fat more than 20 years ago, the actor is returning to the format alongside another sketch-show veteran, Burnistoun’s Robert Florence, for Hogmanay comedy Queen Of The New Year.

“I think if you thought like that, you wouldn’t do anything in case you were compared to what went before, and you’d just sit at home,” he said.

“We see the opportunity as a real privilege, and we don’t take entertaining people at this time of year lightly.”

The programme will also feature Barbara Rafferty, Clive Russell, Gayle Telfer Stevens, Louise McCarthy, Jane McCarry, John Gordon Sinclair and Juliet Cadzow.

Hogmanay telly is a family affair in the Hemphill household this year, with his wife, Julie Wilson Nimmo, also starring in a Scot Squad special.

In an interview with this week’s Sunday Post, the couple reveal they have not only started writing together but have developed a joint passion for wild swimming.

“I’m absolutely addicted to it – it’s a magical feeling,” Julie said. “Sometimes we’re only in the water for five minutes, sometimes longer, but it’s always worth it. I love it and want to do it forever.”