82-year old Peter O'Toole is to make a return to acting to play a Roman orator in the forthcoming historical drama, Katherine of Alexandria.
Last year, the performer said he was taking a break from acting and gave "the profession a dry-eyed and profoundly grateful farewell". He is now set to appear in the new historical epic which chronicles the clash between Katherine and the Emperor Constantine the Great.
O'Toole plays Corenlius Gallus, the palace orator and the cast also includes Joss Ackland, Steven Berkoff and Edward Fox.
At the time of his retirement, O'Toole was reported to be working on the third volume of his memoirs. "It's my belief," he said, "that one should decide for oneself when it is time to end one's stay.
"It is time for me to chuck in the sponge. To retire from films and stage. The heart for it has gone out of me: it won't come back."
Katherine of Alexandria is scheduled for release next year.
