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Actor David Prowse has revealed how he would love to have joined the original cast in the new Star Wars movie – but fears his dementia would let him down.

Talking about his health battle for the first time, the 79-year-old who played Darth Vader alongside Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher in the first three films, said: “Now I would probably forget my lines.

“But it wouldn’t have mattered what it was, I would have loved to have done something in it – even if it was just a cameo.”

The former bodybuilder who recently revived his 1975 role as the Green Cross Code man, said he has been taking medication to try to treat the dementia symptoms.

Surrounded by his Star Wars memorabilia, he said: “Sometimes I can’t remember things I did yesterday. That worries me more than not remembering something 20 years ago.

(Image: TCD/VP/LMKMEDIA-UKIRLucasfilm)

“There’s nothing you can do. They’ve put me on tablets. I don’t feel it working though. I don’t feel I’ve improved at all.

“I don’t feel in any shape or form like I am demented – I’m not staggering around.

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"I’ve never worried about it. It’s other people who noticed it... my wife has probably noticed it more than me.”

He knows he has met legends such as Muhammad Ali, but cannot remember when.

And he has not forgotten the Queen giving him an MBE, he just doesn’t know what she said.

But as the trailer for episode seven Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released, David accepted it was unlikely he would appear in another episode of the series.

He said: “I would have loved to have been involved. Of course, Vader got killed off and there was no way back.

"But the fans ask me if I’m going to be in the new movies and I just say: ‘Sorry, not that I know of’.”

Chosen for his 6ft 7in height, David played Lord Vader from 1977 to 1983 – the peak of a career in TV and movies stretching back almost 50 years.

Bristol-born David, from Croydon, South London, appeared in Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

His voice was over-dubbed by actor James Earl Jones and in fight scenes the black cape was filled by British Olympic swordsman Bob Anderson.

Now, with MORE TH>N insurance, David has launched a new Green Cross Code Man campaign, this time reminding adults of the dangers of the road.

For a video of David in his role, visit: inside.morethan.com

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