'THE last time I was in Malvern I was naked," said Peter Bowles, matter-of-factly.

Not many people have to put their bodies on show at the age of 65, but a new-found fitness regime kept the star of numerous TV classics in trim for his full nude scenes in Beau Brummell three years ago.

The role posed a challenge for him, but not as great as his character in his latest Malvern project, The Unexpected Man, which sees he and co-star Sin Philips spending two hours on stage, sitting opposite each other but without actually talking.

"It's the most difficult thing I've ever done," he confessed.

"There's no plot, it's psychologically and technically very difficult and there's long monologues which are tricky to remember.

"Both our characters pour out our thoughts that are very random and come out at all angles, like the thoughts that go through your mind while you're lying in bed."

But Peter has a secret weapon that keeps him going through such showbiz challenges.

"My wife comes with me," he confides.

His sheer determination has also been a great help to his career. When the BBC told him he would never work in drama again because of his fame from TV's To The Manor Born and The Irish RM, he firmly stuck two fingers up at the establishment and wrote his own drama Lytton's Diary, which was snapped up immediately.

And at the age of 68, he has no plans for retirement, with 'exciting' projects in the pipeline.

"Actors don't retire, they drop dead," he concluded.

Let's hope that's a long way off for Peter Bowles.

The Unexpected Man runs at Malvern Theatres from this Monday until Saturday, June 4.

n On Friday, June 3, Peter Bowles and Sin Phillips will take part in a celebrity fund-raising lunch in aid of Malvern Theatres at The Colwall Park Hotel. Tickets are £35. To book or to find out more call the box office on 01684 892277.