Ref. 76115-1SCI-FI fans queued for up to eight hours to catch a glimpse of their favourite actor from the cult C4 TV series Stargate SG-1.

The fans some of whom had crossed the country were in Swindon to see Tony Amendola at the Infinitely Better film memorabilia shop in the Brunel Centre.

Among the eager fans were Maria Hoy, 42 from Gorse Hill and her friend Tien Williams, 44 from Weymouth, Dorset.

Maria said: "We travel all around the country to meet sci-fi stars. Tony is a great actor and his character Bra'tac is really interesting.

"We tried to see Tony two years ago at a Sci-Fi convention but we missed him so we've been waiting a long time to see him again."

Inside the shop, Mr Amendola, originally from Connecticut, said he was keen to meet his fans.

He has played many parts including roles in films like the Mask of Zorro, and its sequel the Legend of Zorro, due out this September, as well as appearances in Seinfeld and the West Wing.

"I have been an actor for 28 years and having fans is not something that should be taken for granted, so it's great to meet new people.

"I have done lots of theatre in Los Angeles and New York but Sci-Fi is demanding, particularly with the scripts and getting to grips with the language of Stargate.

Talking about his Stargate role he said: "I am one of the regular characters. I play a 138 year-old warrior, statesman and mentor.

"When I was offered the part they said I probably wouldn't need too much make-up and I wasn't sure if it was an insult or not."