“I have to protect him…I’m not a bad person.”
Jenny Bradley at the centre of the drama in this week’s five special Coronation Street episodes.
As she plans to kidnap Kevin’s (Michael Le Vell) son Jack and set off on the road to Hull.
Complete with wig and a new identity as Melanie Davis.
“I hope viewers will see Home Fires as a really gripping drama telling various personal stories.
“It shows what goes on behind closed doors with elements of discovery and intrigue.”
Samantha Bond talking to me about ITV’s new World War Two drama, which begins at 9pm this Sunday (May 3).
The six-part series, also starring the likes of Francesca Annis, Ed Stoppard, Ruth Gemmell and Daniel Ryan, is not what you might be expecting.
“I had to wild swim in Coniston Water once or twice.
“And I was in Derwent Water three times…and it was very cold.”
Christopher Eccleston talking to me about his role as former police detective Robert in new ITV drama Safe House, filmed in the Lake District.
“The house is a central character. We do have the sense the ‘safe house’ is ironic. Because it’s not safe.”
“SUCCESS is a terrible mistress.”
Martin Clunes is about to star on screen as Sherlock novelist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
With Arthur & George starting on ITV at 9pm on Monday (March 2).
Adapted from the novel of the same name by Julian Barnes.
Before starting work at the end of March on a seventh series of Doc Martin.
Both TV dramas produced by his wife Philippa Braithwaite.
You might think life is simple for a successful actor like Martin.
Aside from having to answer yet another tedious question about whether Men Behaving Badly will ever return.
I’ve heard him being asked that dozens of times over the years and the answer remains, of course, no.
But despite always putting on an entertaining show during interviews, usually with a bit of edge, he can be – like most actors – a sensitive soul.
So it was no surprise to learn at the ITV launch for the new three-part drama that Martin has previously “bailed out” of other productions.
Even after signing the contract to appear in them.
“IT’S letting your dreams literally come true. Which is rather beautiful.
“Ordinary people being extraordinary.”
Imelda Staunton talking about the truly glorious That Day We Sang, written and directed by Victoria Wood.
A TV musical drama destined to become an instant classic.
Screened on BBC2 at 9pm on Boxing Day – Friday Dec 26.
It stars Imelda as “PA not secretary” Enid and Michael Ball as insurance salesman Tubby, two lonely middle-aged people who grab a second chance of life via the power of music.
These fictional characters meet in 1969 at a reunion of the Manchester Children’s Choir which made the iconic million selling recording of Nymphs and Shepherds with the Halle Orchestra 40 years before.
The film moving between events in the late 1960s and the story of a young Tubby, whose real name is Jimmy Baker, and his difficult home life in 1929.
With Harvey Chaisty as the young Jimmy and the always engaging Daniel Rigby as Mr Kirkby, the war veteran who helps him through.
Victoria Wood is also responsible for writing all of the music – Purcell’s Nymphs and Shepherds aside – in the 90-minute film.
Life of Wylie 