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It isn't exactly where one expects to see Robert Carlyle, of Trainspotting and The Full Monty fame, but the rollicking Scot is coming to the SPACE channel tonight as Dr. Nicholas Rush, the lead in Stargate Universe. It's the latest instalment in the immensely popular Stargate franchise, following on the heels of SG -1, Infinity and Atlantis. Rush is a brilliant scientific mind harbouring shadowy motives. And though Carlyle is juggling his new role with a busy film schedule, to switch off, he still switches on his TV for a little down time.

Were you a fan of any sci-fi, space travel series in the past?

I would have to go back to my childhood, obviously Star Trek. It was huge for me, I absolutely loved it as a child. And also back home, Dr. Who was a huge show for all kids. Actually, my own particular Dr. Who was Jon Pertwee [who played the role from 1970 to 1974]

What were some of your other favourite shows growing up?

I loved a lot of cop shows, I loved Kojak, I loved Columbo, and then following on from that, Starsky & Hutch. But way back as well, when I was growing up as a kid, westerns. Anything to do with cowboys, was having it, loved it. The High Chapparal and Bonanza.

Had you watched the Stargate franchise before this?

I was aware of it and I caught bits of it, particularly SG-1, and I remember enjoying some of that. But when it was initially offered to me, I was like, what? That's completely out of left field in my career.

Any guilty viewing pleasures?

There's probably loads of them. I love Family Guy and I love South Park. I still laugh at them. A lot of my work is very, very serious and I like to switch off when I'm back home.

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