A star of the international hit The Wire wants to swap Baltimore for Carrigstown, with a role in Fair City.

American actor Reg E Cathey, who is currently starring in the stage version of The Shawshank Redemption at the Gaiety theatre, says he has fallen in love with Dublin and doesn't want to return home.

"I adore Dublin," he told the Herald. "I have nothing lined up when I finish this play but I've fallen in love with this city, that's why I've been desperately trying to find a show here that I can do.

"If Fair City want to hire me I'd jump at the chance.

"Or maybe I could do the Tudors and be the first black person," he added.

Since touching down in the capital city last month, Reg has been touring the country and claims he's come up with a number of series ideas that he would consider pitching to producers.

The actor, who played Mayor's adviser Norman in The Wire, added: "I've been coming up with all these series ideas as I've been travelling around. I've been to Cork as a child but the only thing I remember is kissing the Blarney Stone.

"The thing I've really noticed is all the old castles in Ireland and I'd love to do a series about a retired basketball player who comes and buys an old castle and sets up home there and it's haunted."

Reaction

The actor, who has starred in films such as The Mask, American Psycho and Hamlet, says the reaction from Irish people when he's out and about around the city has been phenomenal.

"I have hair on The Wire so no one's ever sure if it's me at home," he explained. "I've particularly found that people are recognising me quite a lot over here though.

"Everyone's so friendly and every night we get a standing ovation after the show."

Reg will remain on stage alongside his co-stars Kevin Anderson and Keir Dullea until June 20.

lnolan@herald.ie