Patrick Stewart, who plays Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek television series and films has said he is ready to step out of the role.
The actor, who was in London for the premiere of the latest Star Trek feature film, said he thought it was important to know when to leave.
Stewart has played the role of the Starship Enterprise's Captain Picard for sixteen years.
He may be planning to leave the series but he added that he felt the franchise itself would continue for years to come.
'Star Trek: Nemesis' will open at cinemas across Ireland on 3 January 2003.
