Larry Lamb, 77, says he will never fully retire as he doesn't want to 'vegetate'

Larry Lamb is best known for his roles as Archie Mitchell in EastEnders and dad Mick in the much-loved BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey.

Though he might be about to turn 78 in a couple of weeks on October 1, the veteran actor - who has also starred in the likes of Lovejoy, The Bill, A Touch of Frost, Casualty, Taggart, Spooks and Midsomer Murders over the years - has absolutely no intention of slowing down just yet.

Last week, the TV legend - who didn't start his professional acting career until he was in his 40s - took to the stage to accept the Best Comedy award, alongside co-stars Alison Steadman and Ruth Jones for the finale series of Gavin & Stacey.

He said in July this would be his last acting job as he wants to 'go out on a high' and spend more time with his family, including his four children - TV presenter George Lamb, 45, as well as daughters Vanessa, 56, Eloise, 26, and Eva, 22.

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But in a new interview, Larry revealed he will still work - but just in another capacity as he doesn't want to 'vegetate' and 'send everyone potty'.

Speaking to The Daily Mail with his son George as part of the launch of Ecover's first plastic-free dishwasher tablets, Larry shared: "I don't want to just sit there and vegetate.

"You know, I'm a working class bloke who feels that if he's not busy doing something then I don't really have any value and that's unfortunately why a lot of working class guys, ladies as well, they just give up."

Larry's son George added: "I think it'd be terrible if you retired." Larry agreed, saying: "I'd drive everybody as well as myself completely round the bend, because I'd always be looking for something to do."

After hanging up his acting boots - unless a role comes up he can't turn down - Larry has turned author and just released his first fiction novel, All Wrapped Up, about a film being shot on a Caribbean island and all the trials and tribulations that go on behind the scenes.

He has also began writing poetry and will take to the stage for the first time next week for his first poetry gig in Hereford.

"I'm just reflecting on the old age, reflecting on the past, looking towards the future and writing stories and poems about it," he said.

But of all his jobs, Larry says playing Mick in Gavin & Stacey on and off when the series ran from 2007 to 2024 is his all-time favourite.

He shared: "You get so involved with these characters that they become your favourite at that time, they are the focus of your life. But to finish up in my 70s playing a character like Mick who is beloved by millions of people, you have to give the writers credit... at this stage in my career Mick is the closest to my heart."

He added: 'I've had a very fortunate career; I've done so much that I am really proud of that maybe not so many people know. I have worked at the Royal Shakespeare company, the National Theatre, I have been in 12 West End shows, I have done all the principal fringe theatres in London, on Broadway, I have been very lucky and now I am quite happy to let someone else play the big roles."

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