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Keiran Fleming

Still Game's Winston reveals origins of Robin Williams' iconic Mrs Doubtfire accent

Still Game's Winston Ingram has revealed a bit of Hollywood gossip that could threaten Isa Drennan's claim on Craiglang's poke-nose crown.

Paul Riley, who played the classic Scottish character, reckons the late-great Robin William chose to give his legendary character Mrs Doubtfire a Scottish accent after spending two weeks filming in the highlands for the movie Being Human, released in 1994.

Paul and fellow Still Game star Gavin Mitchell really got to know the comedy icon during filming, which took place shortly before he he headed back to the US to shoot the hit movie with Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan.

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Speaking to Glagsow Live this week, Paul explained: "Bill Forsyth wrote and directed it and it was shot up in the highlands. It was the best gig ever because we all played cavemen and there was no language it was just improvised noises.

"So we didn't have to learn any lines we got in the caveman makeup and did the scene.

"We were up there for almost two weeks and he was just the nicest guy you could ever hope to meet, he was absolutely amazing. Gavin Mitchell was in it as well and I remember standing on the beach on Lochinver and Gavin was pretending to be Keith Richards and Robin Williams was Mick Jagger it was just surreal.

"We had the best time up there it was absolutely magnificent.

"Because he had been working with 15 Scottish people the next movie he shot was Mrs Doubtfire and that's why she has a Scottish accent. Not a lot of people know that."

Paul Riley played iconic Still Game character Winston Ingram (BBC)

The renowned funny man never forgot his time in the highlands and even struck up an unlikely friendship with Gavin, inviting him to his San Francisco home on a number of occasions.

Robin also remembered his time with Paul and surprised the Bafta winner and even sent a gift to his home.

Paul said: "Two months later, I was still living with my mum, a package arrived at the house and I've still got it.

"It was a leather bound, gold, script and it was signed thank you for Being Human, Robin.

"Two months after that a Christmas card came, it was just mental."

Now the Still Game star is heading out on tour where he will tell many stories of his time in Craiglang and some of his untold tales.

Paul will be joined on stage by a different special guest each night.

He said: "I've been doing it for about 18 months on and off.

"There is myself and the co-host and he interviews me at the beginning. He asks me various questions of which I know nothing.

"Then we get to the Q 'n' A part of the show where members of the audience ask me questions. It's great for me because it keeps it fresh and it means every show is different.

"The second half of the show I'll bring on a special guest. Then depending on where I am in the country I'll do a quiz because people love quizzes, which is really fun.

"It's growing arms and legs and I'm having so much fun."

For 'An Evening with Paul Riley' tour dates and ticket information click here

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