Dundee-born actor Brian Cox has backed Nicola Sturgeon to reform the UK political system.
The film star claimed the current SNP upsurge showed there was “unity” in Scotland.
The Courier revealed last year that the man who plays Bob Servant on TV had quit his Labour membership to join the Nationalists after campaigning for a Yes vote in the independence referendum.
He said: “I’m delighted to give my support to Nicola who is doing an absolutely splendid job.
“She’s showing herself to be the best political leader in this country, bar none.
“She’s also showing wisdom in the fact that she’s not over stressing the independence case but she is actually looking to sort this country out.
“That is the key issue at the moment to sort out the political system of these islands before anything else is done.
“It looks like the Scots can be the godparents to something quite extraordinary which may be afoot.
“It’s been a long haul to this point but if there is anybody to lead the party then it’s Nicola. She’s done a great job, is doing a fantastic job and she will continue to do a good job.”
Mr Cox said he hoped the First Minister could play a leading role in reforming the way the UK functions, hinting at the prospect of federalism.
He added: “Certainly when the election does happen she will hopefully have a big role to play in the brokering of the kind of system that will serve not only us but also the regions of England as well which is clearly what is needed.
“The advantage of what is happening in Scotland, and what some people at Westminster cannot bear, is there is a unity which is unlike anywhere else in the so called United Kingdom.
“Scotland has a unity and Nicola is greatly responsible for that.”