Perth actor Colin McCredie may have been controversially axed from long-running detective show Taggart, but his former co-star Blythe Duff is ensuring his legacy lives on, thanks to his famed mug.
McCredie was often seen drinking from his beloved St Johnstone souvenir during episodes of the crime drama.
When he was sacked many assumed all references to the Perth team he loves would also disappear but Duff has paid “silent tribute” to the sacked actor by sipping from the legendary mug.
Saints-mad Colin, who played gay detective DC Stuart Fraser for 14 years, regularly sneaked the cup emblazoned with his side’s two-headed eagle crest on screen during his time on the show.
However, he was axed from the new series last Christmas, just days after starring in its 100th episode.
Despite his commitment to the show over almost 15 years, DC Fraser has not been mentioned since his departure.
Now, to keep his memory alive, Duff, who plays DS Jackie Reid, has adopted the Saints mug as her own.
The cup became a cult item amongst Saints fans, who regularly discussed its TV appearances on fans’ websites.
McCredie, who will return to TV screens as Nick Morrison in BBC soap River City in the new year, said he was touched by the tribute- and had a dig at STV bosses who cut him from the crime drama.
The 38-year-old, who sponsors St Johnstone defender Dave Mackay’s away jersey, said, “The new Taggart that I’m not in has been on on STV, but I’ve not been watching it.
“I’ve been watching Downton Abbey on ITV1 instead. But Blythe Duff who plays Jackie Reid says she has put a wee tribute in to me in the new episodes this year.
“Apparently she has been drinking out of a St Johnstone mug just like I used to, as a silent tribute.”
McCredie refused to get too sentimental, adding, “It might just prove that STV haven’t changed the props that would cost too much.”
The Perth star is set to play ambitious local councillor Nick Morrison in River City.