Actor Ian McDiarmid is amazed he managed to do all of his demanding action stunts in the final Star Wars installment EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH - because he's 60 years old.

The Scottish actor plays SUPREME CHANCELLOR PALPATINE in the eagerly-awaited film, and clashes with the heroic Jedi Knights in several energetic light-saber duels.

McDiarmid, 60, says, "I was surprised how much butt I kick in this movie.

"I have to say I'm not an expert swordsman but I did do all the sequences."

17/05/2005 08:23