SPACE and scissors have been some of the main themes of Dominic Keating's acting career.

Following the demise of the last Star Trek series Enterprise, in which he played Lt Malcolm Reed, Dominic now has cult status among fans of the show.

Mobbings from so-called Trekkies are now a frequent event and a line of devotees waited anxiously for a glimpse of their idol before an autograph signing session at the Infinitely Better movie memorabilia store at the Brunel Centre.

But it was nothing like the onslaught in America when hoards of fans protested against the decision to axe the show after 98 episodes.

"It was a very flattering tribute and shows what a phenomenon Star Trek is," said Dominic. "They (Trekkies) are a crazy bunch.

"I just got back from Germany when I was on stage with Leonard Nimoy (Spock) and there were 7,000 screaming fans which was just awesome.

"The end of the show was bitter sweet. There was a bit of a party atmosphere and I looked round and thought that I wouldn't be seeing some of these faces again."

Avid Trekkie Tim Williams, 24, of Shaw, was one of the fans queuing outside the Swindon store.

"Star Trek is something which I have been able to base my life around," he said. "It delves into ethical and moral issues. It shows us moving from spiteful, angry people to someone who is quite happy to give their own life for a stranger."

Born in Leicester, but now living in Hollywood, it was the first time Dominic had ever visited Swindon.

"I understand it is the testing ground for all things British such as one way systems, roundabouts and theme pubs," he said.

"It's quite like Leicester so I think I would feel at home here."

Dominic is busy making plans to marry his fiance Jilana Stewart, also an actress who he met in Spain.

Away from his private life, he is searching for work with one eye on going back to theatre and the other on film stardom.

He has already appeared alongside greats such Rod Steiger and Burt Reynolds in The Hollywood Sign, and has just finished filming for Certifiably Jonathan- a movie about American comedian Jonathan Winters.

Described during early stage performances as a "bright, young hope", Dominic has also appeared in the Oscar-nominated feature film Almost Famous.

His television credits include a lead role on Glory Days, a series regular for five years on the ethnic barber shop comedy Desmond's and guest appearances on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Poltergeist: The Legacy. Among his theatre performances include Amongst Barbarians at the Royal Exchange in Manchester- which won him a Mobile Prize- and Alfie at the Tiffany Theatre in Los Angeles.