IT was the Friday before last Christmas that David Suchet finished filming Murder On The Orient Express.
Twelve months on it’s ITV1’s big Christmas Day film at 9pm.
I met up with David earlier this year to discuss his role in this iconic Poirot story.
Along with the documentary he filmed about his own journey on the real train, screened on the same channel last Sunday.
“AT first we thought that was a bit of a bore, quite frankly.
“As it happens, I think they’ve laid out the ground very nicely for us.”
Dame Eileen Atkins speaking at the British Film Institute in London last night about Downton Abbey.
Taking part in a panel Q&A following a screening of the first episode of BBC1’s revival of Upstairs Downstairs.
A round table interview at BBC TV Centre in west London with the stars of new BBC4 film Dirk Gently.
My feature on Stephen Mangan, who plays Dirk, is in today’s Manchester Evening News – and below.
I’ve also posted some extra quotes and links under the interview for those who want to read more.
THE train from London to Stockport on a wet morning in September for a real television treat.
A day on location with new BBC2 drama Eric & Ernie, plus interviews with cast and production team.
Sitting in the stalls of the Stockport Plaza, we were transported back to 1939 as Ted Robbins, playing impresario and agent Jack Hylton, appeared through the curtains to introduce a young Ernie Wise (Harry MacEntire).
Watching several rows back from the stage is schoolboy Eric Morecambe (Jonah Lees) and his mum Sadie (Victoria Wood).
“I’m not doing it,” is Eric’s line as he’s called to audition on stage.
ONE of the busiest times of year for below stairs journalists who write about TV.
With Christmas deadlines fast approaching.
Including transcribing and writing up interviews with many of the stars of the BBC line-up officially made public yesterday.
So not much time to post a detailed blog today.
Instead, I thought some might like to see these newly released images of BBC1’s Upstairs Downstairs.
PIRATES of the Caribbean star Mackenzie Crook sips a cup of tea as the sun streams in from the garden behind him.
June 3 2010 in north London, just around the corner from his own house – once owned by Peter Sellers.
“It wasn’t the reason we bought it,” he smiles. “We decided to buy the house and then found out that Peter Sellers had lived there in the fifties, for about three years.
“I love that about it. I’ve got a great set of photos from when he lived there. A journalist came round and interviewed him and took photos of him in the house.
“So I’ve got a nice photo of Peter Sellers opening my front door.”
Mackenzie was here to talk about his role in the second story of Jimmy McGovern’s new drama series Accused on BBC1 next Monday.
YOU are going to be seeing a lot more of Stephen Lord.
Not just in his latest TV role in BBC1’s Casualty.
But in a range of projects, too numerous to fit in to today’s Manchester Evening News feature below.
Stephen’s CV includes playing Jonno in Common As Muck – one of my all-time favourite series, written by former binman William Ivory.
BACK from a screening plus Q&A tonight for new BBC1 drama series Accused.
With writer Jimmy McGovern, producer Sita Williams and actor Christopher Eccleston, who plays Willy in the first story next Monday.
I asked Jimmy about his recent comments that TV drama should say more about the world we live in today and not rely on costumes, irony and pastiche.
Taken as a criticism of, among other dramas, Downton Abbey – which he has never seen.
What was his reaction to the flak his comments attracted?
IT’S no secret that Christopher Eccleston is one of my favourite actors.
Maybe yours too?
He’s a class act and as intelligent off screen as on.
I spoke to him recently – on the day after the government’s spending cuts were announced – about his role in episode one of Jimmy McGovern’s new BBC1 series Accused.
Which includes his character Willy calling a banker a name I can’t repeat here.
My interview with Chris is in today’s Manchester Evening News, and also online below with a few extras I couldn’t fit into the main article.
“IT feels a lot harder now than when I started,” said writer John Fay.
“There’s definitely more writers and actors out of work. There’s less getting done.
“And I do think that comes down to money. If people aren’t investing in it, then it’s not getting made, is it?'”
Life of Wylie 