Mark Hamill has revealed he had to grow a beard for his upcoming return to Star Wars, but admitted he is really just there to support the new cast.

The actor played Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars films and is reprising his role for Episode VII, along with former co-stars Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.

He told the BBC at the Guardians Of The Galaxy premiere in London's Leicester Square that it was a great surprise to be back on the films, which this time will be directed by JJ Abrams.

Mark said: "I thought even if they did a third trilogy, we couldn't be involved because it's really about the new generation of characters. You know we're just there to lend our support and grow contractually obligated beards.

"It was certainly unexpected. I already had a beginning middle and end. I never thought we'd come back. To go on to those sets that evoked so many memories, it is just astonishing."

He went on to heap praise on the new generation of Star Wars cast: "These kids - they are not kids - but they are so talented. They are also diverse. There are people I recognise like Andy Serkis and new people that I've never seen before like Daisy Ridley.

"But they are so good. I'm thinking of asking them for advice. I don't want to give any myself."

Mark also addressed Harrison's on-set accident in June when the door of the Millennium Falcon fell on his ankle: "I was not on set. It was really terrible but I hear he's doing really well. It will take more than that to stop Harrison Ford."

Star Wars: Episode VII is due to be released in cinemas on December 18, 2015.