DISGRACED former MSP Tommy Sheridan is hoping for a part in a new stage play about his life.

The Herald revealed yesterday Rab C Nesbitt creator Ian Pattison has written I, Tommy, which will tour theatres this autumn.

The play will star actor Des McLean as Sheridan, who was freed from jail in January after serving one year of a three-year term for committing perjury in his defamation action against the News of the World.

Last night Mr McLean, who has impersonated the ex-politician on radio and on stage, revealed Sheridan told him he wants to appear in the play.

Mr McLean said: "After The Herald broke the story Tommy called me to talk about the play. I wasn't too sure how he'd react - Not only was he not upset, he asked if he could appear in it."

Sheridan is no stranger to showbiz after appearing on Channel 4's Big Brother in 2009 and once playing Tarzan on BBC Radio Scotland comedy The Ellis and Clarke Show in a sketch called Carry On Swinging.

However, Mr McLean said: "I think that's unlikely to happen. The tone of the play is set and I can't imagine the writer changing it to accommodate Tommy."