On 31st October 1991, I was at the Newmarket Racecourse for an episode of " The Chief". The scene was based around a day at the race meeting. The main character, Chief Constable Alan Cade was played by Martin Shaw. A few months earlier that year I had played the part of Alfie Rose, a "bookie",in an episode of " Trainer", at Newbury Racecourse and during the day some real bookies were asking me if I was genuine. When they realised we were filming during that race day, they persuaded me to have a bet on one of the races. I place a minimum bet of £2 on a horse being ridden by Lester Piggott. The horse won and I won about £20.
When I was at Newmarket for "The Chief", I thought I would try my luck again on this race day. The horse that I had my bet on was not in the first three and so I presumed my bet at Newbury had been beginners luck.
"The Chief" was a series from ITV focussing on the politics at the top of an English police force, in the continual battle to solve the problems of the times, in this case the fictional force was Eastland in East Anglia.
It originally starred Tim Pigott-Smith as Chief Constable John Stafford and later Martin Shaw as Chief Constable Alan Cade. It was screened from 1990 to 1995 and I was involved in 6 episodes from 1990 to 1994.
In my records for 31st October 2003, I appear to have been in Birmingham for a programme called " Drive". There seems to be no record of "Drive" on any TV archive material.
Thursday 31 October 2013
Wednesday 30 October 2013
" EMMERDALE" 1996
On 30th October 1996, I arrived in Leeds for my fifth day on " Emmerdale". My first day had been on 14th June 1993, so, between that day and 27th September 2013, I have now been involved on 94 days over the twenty year period.
The first episode was screened on 16th October 1972, 41 years ago and known as " Emmerdale Farm" until 1989. 18 million viewers watched the episode on 30th December 1993 which was the dramatic plane crash episode. The Village name was then changed from Beckindale to Emmerdale to help villagers get over that traumatic event. I was invited to take part in that episode but was unable to accept due to being in my local hospital after an operation.
" Emmerdale" is produced by ITV Yorkshire and has been filmed at their Leeds studios since that first episode in 1972. It is ITV's second longest running soap opera after "Coronation Street", attracting on average between 6 and 8 million viewers per episode.
The first episode was screened on 16th October 1972, 41 years ago and known as " Emmerdale Farm" until 1989. 18 million viewers watched the episode on 30th December 1993 which was the dramatic plane crash episode. The Village name was then changed from Beckindale to Emmerdale to help villagers get over that traumatic event. I was invited to take part in that episode but was unable to accept due to being in my local hospital after an operation.
" Emmerdale" is produced by ITV Yorkshire and has been filmed at their Leeds studios since that first episode in 1972. It is ITV's second longest running soap opera after "Coronation Street", attracting on average between 6 and 8 million viewers per episode.
Tuesday 29 October 2013
" EASTENDERS" 2002- Little Mo Slater & Billy Mitchell Wedding
On 29th October 2002, I arrived at the BBC Eastenders Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
We were taken by coach to a Church in North London where the scenes were to be shot for Mo Slater's Wedding to Billy Slater. As we arrived at the church, a large crowd had already started to grow as people heard about this " Eastenders" Wedding.
"Little Mo" was played by Kacey Ainsworth and Billy Mitchell by Perry Fenwick.
On screen , I can be seen on the left hand side of the church behind the Best Man, who was played by Shane Richie. This was Shane Richie's first day on " Eastenders" and this wedding scene was shown on Christmas Day 2002.
The Bridesmaids were wearing 6" heeled shoes, which were a new idea at that time and have now become extremely popular with fashion concious ladies.
The episode was directed by Chris Jury, who was famous for his role as Eric in " Lovejoy", but is now a BBC director.
I enjoyed my three days working on " Eastenders" between May 1st 1995 and 29th October 2002. Firstly playing a Walford Councillor, in a scene with Arthur Fowler, played by Bill Treacher, than as a Hospital visitor in a scene with Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp and finally as a Wedding Guest in that Wedding scene with most of the entire cast.
I have just watched some of the scenes from the Wedding via the u-tube link and only recognised myself from my grey hair as I sat at the end of the Bridegroom's side of the aisle.
We were taken by coach to a Church in North London where the scenes were to be shot for Mo Slater's Wedding to Billy Slater. As we arrived at the church, a large crowd had already started to grow as people heard about this " Eastenders" Wedding.
"Little Mo" was played by Kacey Ainsworth and Billy Mitchell by Perry Fenwick.
On screen , I can be seen on the left hand side of the church behind the Best Man, who was played by Shane Richie. This was Shane Richie's first day on " Eastenders" and this wedding scene was shown on Christmas Day 2002.
The Bridesmaids were wearing 6" heeled shoes, which were a new idea at that time and have now become extremely popular with fashion concious ladies.
The episode was directed by Chris Jury, who was famous for his role as Eric in " Lovejoy", but is now a BBC director.
I enjoyed my three days working on " Eastenders" between May 1st 1995 and 29th October 2002. Firstly playing a Walford Councillor, in a scene with Arthur Fowler, played by Bill Treacher, than as a Hospital visitor in a scene with Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp and finally as a Wedding Guest in that Wedding scene with most of the entire cast.
I have just watched some of the scenes from the Wedding via the u-tube link and only recognised myself from my grey hair as I sat at the end of the Bridegroom's side of the aisle.
Monday 28 October 2013
" THE BILL" 1991; " EASTENDERS" 1998
On 28th October 1991. I had travelled by train to London to be in my second episode of "The Bill".
It was easier for me to catch the train to St. Pancras and then by underground to Wimbledon South than to drive down the M1 and around the M25 to Merton, where the studio was situated.
My first episode had been on 22nd July 1991 and between that date and 1996, I appeared in 10 episodes of that programme.
" The Bill " followed uniform officers and detectives from an inner London police station, Sun Hill, as they enforce law and order on a day to day basis. The programme ran from 1984 to 2010.
On 28th October 1998, I was at the BBC Elstree studios for my second episode of " Eastenders".
My first had been on 1st May 1995 and between that date and 29th October 2002, I was in 3 episodes of that programme. Tomorrow I will recall this 3rd day of involvement, which was the best of the three.
On this second day I was on the hospital set, in the studio and was a visitor to the Walford Hospital at the time that Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp was attempting to kill Michelle Fowler, played by the very attractive Martine McCutcheon.
It was easier for me to catch the train to St. Pancras and then by underground to Wimbledon South than to drive down the M1 and around the M25 to Merton, where the studio was situated.
My first episode had been on 22nd July 1991 and between that date and 1996, I appeared in 10 episodes of that programme.
" The Bill " followed uniform officers and detectives from an inner London police station, Sun Hill, as they enforce law and order on a day to day basis. The programme ran from 1984 to 2010.
On 28th October 1998, I was at the BBC Elstree studios for my second episode of " Eastenders".
My first had been on 1st May 1995 and between that date and 29th October 2002, I was in 3 episodes of that programme. Tomorrow I will recall this 3rd day of involvement, which was the best of the three.
On this second day I was on the hospital set, in the studio and was a visitor to the Walford Hospital at the time that Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp was attempting to kill Michelle Fowler, played by the very attractive Martine McCutcheon.
Sunday 27 October 2013
" KINSEY" 1990
On 27th October 1990, I was in Birmingham for my first appearance in " Kinsey".
The location was outside the Law Courts in Corporation Street at the Aston Triangle end of that road.
Two series were made between 1990 and 1992. On this day I was a passer-by in the street outside the Law Courts and at one point during that day a young man , who was handcuffed, was brought out of a police van and escorted up the steps into the building. I commented that he looked very scared and it looked authentic.
I was then told we were not filming at that moment and that the incident was real. There was a real court case going on in the building that day and the prisoner was about to appear before the judge.
At lunch-time I boarded the unit bus and noticed a very attractive lady sitting at the back of the coach with two young children. I commented to a friend of mine on how elegant she was, and then told that it was he recently married wife of the star of the series. It was Twiggy, who had married Leigh Lawson in 1988.
The series was about a Midlands lawyer, Neil Kinsey, known for being a maverick, takes on a new partner, Tricia Mabbott, who has recently left a larger firm. He brings an unconventional approach to dealing with his clients cases, but has to contend with his estranged wife, Judy, his rivals, and the potential romance with Tricia.
Leigh Lawson was Kinsey, Serena Gordon was Tricia and Marian McLoughlin as Judy.
My second appearance would be 2 years later when I was in a pub scene, in the second series, and spoke a few words to Kinsey. As he walked into the bar his line was " Hi Bob" and my reply was " Hello Kinsey". The story of how I got to speak those two words will be related in depth on 22nd March 2014, if I am still writing this blog.
The location was outside the Law Courts in Corporation Street at the Aston Triangle end of that road.
Two series were made between 1990 and 1992. On this day I was a passer-by in the street outside the Law Courts and at one point during that day a young man , who was handcuffed, was brought out of a police van and escorted up the steps into the building. I commented that he looked very scared and it looked authentic.
I was then told we were not filming at that moment and that the incident was real. There was a real court case going on in the building that day and the prisoner was about to appear before the judge.
At lunch-time I boarded the unit bus and noticed a very attractive lady sitting at the back of the coach with two young children. I commented to a friend of mine on how elegant she was, and then told that it was he recently married wife of the star of the series. It was Twiggy, who had married Leigh Lawson in 1988.
The series was about a Midlands lawyer, Neil Kinsey, known for being a maverick, takes on a new partner, Tricia Mabbott, who has recently left a larger firm. He brings an unconventional approach to dealing with his clients cases, but has to contend with his estranged wife, Judy, his rivals, and the potential romance with Tricia.
Leigh Lawson was Kinsey, Serena Gordon was Tricia and Marian McLoughlin as Judy.
My second appearance would be 2 years later when I was in a pub scene, in the second series, and spoke a few words to Kinsey. As he walked into the bar his line was " Hi Bob" and my reply was " Hello Kinsey". The story of how I got to speak those two words will be related in depth on 22nd March 2014, if I am still writing this blog.
Saturday 26 October 2013
" EMMERDALE" 1995
The 26th October 1995 was only my 4th day on " Emmerdale". My first visit to Leeds for this program had been on 14th June 1993 which means that I have now been involved for over 20 years.
Originally we were taken on location to Esholt, which is a Yorkshire village near to the Leeds/Bradford Airport. If my memory serves me correctly the interior shots of the Woolpack were originally flmed in a converted Mill in Farsley, an area between Leeds and Bradford, north of Pudsey. A few years later this Mill was also used for the interior scenes of The Aidensfield Arms in " Heartbeat. I do have one vivid memory of going to the Mill and sitting myself down on a sofa in an area that had been used as a Supporting Artistes Green Room.
Two men came into the room and asked me what I was doing there. I replied that I was going to be in Heartbeat. They then told me that a different company had taken over that area of the Mill and that the Heartbeat staff were located elsewhere in the building. I then returned to the Reception area and discovered the new area that had been provided. These days " Emmerdale" is based within the Yorkshire TV studios, situated a few miles out of Leeds City centre. The location of the village is outside the city on a specially built set.
Originally we were taken on location to Esholt, which is a Yorkshire village near to the Leeds/Bradford Airport. If my memory serves me correctly the interior shots of the Woolpack were originally flmed in a converted Mill in Farsley, an area between Leeds and Bradford, north of Pudsey. A few years later this Mill was also used for the interior scenes of The Aidensfield Arms in " Heartbeat. I do have one vivid memory of going to the Mill and sitting myself down on a sofa in an area that had been used as a Supporting Artistes Green Room.
Two men came into the room and asked me what I was doing there. I replied that I was going to be in Heartbeat. They then told me that a different company had taken over that area of the Mill and that the Heartbeat staff were located elsewhere in the building. I then returned to the Reception area and discovered the new area that had been provided. These days " Emmerdale" is based within the Yorkshire TV studios, situated a few miles out of Leeds City centre. The location of the village is outside the city on a specially built set.
Wednesday 23 October 2013
" SEEKERS" 1992; " THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR" 1994
On 24th October 1992, I was at the Racecourse in Newbury, Berkshire at 7 am to be in a scene of the 4 part mini series " Seekers". It was about a police officer who disappears and when his wife finds him she discovers another wife. They team up to find him. The series was written by Linda La Plante and starred Brenda Fricker and Josette Simon and was screened later that year in 1992.
Two years later on this same day in 1994, I was in Cardiff to be in a program called " The Woman next door". I cannot remember anything at all about this day but my records only show that I arrived in Cardiff for a 10 am start, it was for Channel 4 and our finishing time was 4.30pm. My round trip from home to Cardiff and back was 362 miles.
Two years later on this same day in 1994, I was in Cardiff to be in a program called " The Woman next door". I cannot remember anything at all about this day but my records only show that I arrived in Cardiff for a 10 am start, it was for Channel 4 and our finishing time was 4.30pm. My round trip from home to Cardiff and back was 362 miles.
" VOTE FOR THEM" 1988 - " DALZIEL & PASCOE" 1996
On 23rd October 1988, I was at the BBC Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham to be on my second day of the 3 part mini series of " Vote for them". My first day had been on 19th September on location at a railway station in Bridgenorth, Shropshire.
" Vote for them" was based on a true story, set in Egypt in 1943.during the period in which the British held off the Axis forces in the Middle East. Sick and tired of unfair and idiotic treatment by their officers, a group of off duty British soldiers set up their own ad-hoc government and debating society. The "brass" naturally sought out ways to nip it in the bud.
The series way first aired in 1989 and starred Billy Hartman, Jeff Rawle, Jane Gurnet and Claire Toeman.
On 23rd October 1996, I was in Redditch to be in my 4th episode of " Dalziel & Pascoe" starring Warren Clarke & Colin Buchanan. Between 1995 and 2001 I was in 14 episodes of that popular detective series.
" Vote for them" was based on a true story, set in Egypt in 1943.during the period in which the British held off the Axis forces in the Middle East. Sick and tired of unfair and idiotic treatment by their officers, a group of off duty British soldiers set up their own ad-hoc government and debating society. The "brass" naturally sought out ways to nip it in the bud.
The series way first aired in 1989 and starred Billy Hartman, Jeff Rawle, Jane Gurnet and Claire Toeman.
On 23rd October 1996, I was in Redditch to be in my 4th episode of " Dalziel & Pascoe" starring Warren Clarke & Colin Buchanan. Between 1995 and 2001 I was in 14 episodes of that popular detective series.
Sunday 20 October 2013
" BOON" 1986 - " EMMERDALE" 2009
On 20th October 1986, I was in Birmingham to be in my second episode of " Boon" starring Michael Elphick. We were taken from the Central Studios in Broad Street to the location in a street in Edgbaston.
The scene involved one of the main characters getting on a bus and I was a businessman, with a briefcase, running for the bus. The director called for quite a few takes of the scene and I was required to run about 50 yards each time ( I was a lot younger in those days). At one point, I had left my briefcase on the bus and the actress who was on the bus for that scene was Diane Keen, who had starred in the " Cuckoo Waltz" some years previously and is currently starring in " Doctors". She said " Who is REGC?" which were the initials on that briefcase, so that was the first time I met her. The second time would not be until 15 years later when I was in a scene with her in " Doctors" in an episode filmed outside the Repertory Theatre in Birmingham in 2001.
On 20th October 2009, I was on my 74th day in Leeds for my 130th episode in " Emmerdale". Sometimes, when I am on that series, I am involved in more than one episode. Usually, when I make that 276 mile round trip, I am involved in two or three episodes.
The scene involved one of the main characters getting on a bus and I was a businessman, with a briefcase, running for the bus. The director called for quite a few takes of the scene and I was required to run about 50 yards each time ( I was a lot younger in those days). At one point, I had left my briefcase on the bus and the actress who was on the bus for that scene was Diane Keen, who had starred in the " Cuckoo Waltz" some years previously and is currently starring in " Doctors". She said " Who is REGC?" which were the initials on that briefcase, so that was the first time I met her. The second time would not be until 15 years later when I was in a scene with her in " Doctors" in an episode filmed outside the Repertory Theatre in Birmingham in 2001.
On 20th October 2009, I was on my 74th day in Leeds for my 130th episode in " Emmerdale". Sometimes, when I am on that series, I am involved in more than one episode. Usually, when I make that 276 mile round trip, I am involved in two or three episodes.
Saturday 19 October 2013
" HOWARD'S WAY" 1987; " SILENT WITNESS" 1995; " HEARTBEAT" 1999
On 19th October 1987, I was at the BBC Pebble Mill Studios for my first appearance in an episode of " Howard's Way". I was not on thr programme again until I was in two more episodes in 1989.
The scene was filmed on the set of the public house with the window looking out on to a sea-view setting.
The series ran from 1985 to 1990 and starred Maurice Colbourne, Jan Francis, Glyn Owen, Dulcie Gray and Stephen Yardley.
In 1995 I was in Bushey, Nr. Watford, for a scene in the BBC crime thriller series " Silent Witness" about a forensic pathologist Sam Ryan, played by Amanda Burton.
The series was originally set in Cambridge and I was in one episode that was filmed in that area. The production team then moved to London where I was later also involved but they have since moved again up to Manchester.
On 19th October 1999 I was in Leeds for my 9th episode of "Heartbeat". I was involved in 4 episodes during that year. The main character was Jason Durr with Bill Maynard in the comedy character role.
I was never in any scenes filmed near Goathland, Grosmont or Whitby on the North York Moors. All my scenes were mainly in part of a hospital at Otley, Nr. Leeds, or in the studio, housed in a converted mill in Farsley, between Leeds and Bradford.
The scene was filmed on the set of the public house with the window looking out on to a sea-view setting.
The series ran from 1985 to 1990 and starred Maurice Colbourne, Jan Francis, Glyn Owen, Dulcie Gray and Stephen Yardley.
In 1995 I was in Bushey, Nr. Watford, for a scene in the BBC crime thriller series " Silent Witness" about a forensic pathologist Sam Ryan, played by Amanda Burton.
The series was originally set in Cambridge and I was in one episode that was filmed in that area. The production team then moved to London where I was later also involved but they have since moved again up to Manchester.
On 19th October 1999 I was in Leeds for my 9th episode of "Heartbeat". I was involved in 4 episodes during that year. The main character was Jason Durr with Bill Maynard in the comedy character role.
I was never in any scenes filmed near Goathland, Grosmont or Whitby on the North York Moors. All my scenes were mainly in part of a hospital at Otley, Nr. Leeds, or in the studio, housed in a converted mill in Farsley, between Leeds and Bradford.
Friday 18 October 2013
" ABOUT FACE" 1990; " EMMERDALE" 1999
On 18th October 1990, I was at the Albert Hall, Nottingham for my second day of filming episode 3 " Requiem" of the Central TV sit-com " About Face" starring Maureen Lipman.
I mentioned yesterday that I had auditioned to play the part of her husband in this episode but was unsuccessful.
In the scene that was being shot, I was sittin in the third row from the stage, behind some of the principal actors in that episode. Maureen Lipman's character, Anne is on stage singing an operatic solo and the seat in front of me is empty. When the song is over and the performance continues with the next item. Anne's husband, who has been to a Rotary Dinner arrives too late to see his wife's performance and he sits down in the vacant seat in front of me.
9 years later in 1999, I was in Leeds for my 23rd day on " Emmerdale
I watched last night's episode of that programme and was very impressed with the drama that was created by the characters who were performing in all of that water, those in the cellar scene and those getting absolutely drenched outside.
I mentioned yesterday that I had auditioned to play the part of her husband in this episode but was unsuccessful.
In the scene that was being shot, I was sittin in the third row from the stage, behind some of the principal actors in that episode. Maureen Lipman's character, Anne is on stage singing an operatic solo and the seat in front of me is empty. When the song is over and the performance continues with the next item. Anne's husband, who has been to a Rotary Dinner arrives too late to see his wife's performance and he sits down in the vacant seat in front of me.
9 years later in 1999, I was in Leeds for my 23rd day on " Emmerdale
I watched last night's episode of that programme and was very impressed with the drama that was created by the characters who were performing in all of that water, those in the cellar scene and those getting absolutely drenched outside.
Thursday 17 October 2013
" ABOUT FACE" 1990; "PEAK PRACTICE" 1997; " EMMERDALE" 2000
On 17th October 1990, I was in Nottingham to be in a scene of the series " About Face" starring Maureen Lipman.
"About Face" was a series of 12 half-hour unconnected sit-coms by Central TV.
I had been called in to the Nottingham studios about a month previously, to audition for the part of Keith playing opposite Maureen Lipman. I was unsuccessful but was given two days as a supporting artiste on that episode.
It was episode 3 of series two called " Requiem" and about Anne, a shop assistant and amateur opera singer, who wants her husband Keith to come and see her perform solo, but he wants to attend a Rotary Lunch.
That episode was screened on 21st January 1991 and also starred Stephanie Cole. This was my first day of two on that episode filmed at the Albert Hall, Nottingham.
7 years later I was at the Iron Bridge on the River Severn in Shropshire for an episode of " Peak Practice" in 1997. The scene that I was in was filmed on the banks of the river, directly under the shadow of that magnificent Iron Bridge built by Thomas Telford in 1779 and opened in 1781.
Another 3 years later in 2000, I was in Leeds to be part of " Emmerdale", my 30th day of involvement on that show.
I watched last night's episode( 16th October 2013), the siege of the Woolpack, what brilliant acting from everyone - GREAT.
"About Face" was a series of 12 half-hour unconnected sit-coms by Central TV.
I had been called in to the Nottingham studios about a month previously, to audition for the part of Keith playing opposite Maureen Lipman. I was unsuccessful but was given two days as a supporting artiste on that episode.
It was episode 3 of series two called " Requiem" and about Anne, a shop assistant and amateur opera singer, who wants her husband Keith to come and see her perform solo, but he wants to attend a Rotary Lunch.
That episode was screened on 21st January 1991 and also starred Stephanie Cole. This was my first day of two on that episode filmed at the Albert Hall, Nottingham.
7 years later I was at the Iron Bridge on the River Severn in Shropshire for an episode of " Peak Practice" in 1997. The scene that I was in was filmed on the banks of the river, directly under the shadow of that magnificent Iron Bridge built by Thomas Telford in 1779 and opened in 1781.
Another 3 years later in 2000, I was in Leeds to be part of " Emmerdale", my 30th day of involvement on that show.
I watched last night's episode( 16th October 2013), the siege of the Woolpack, what brilliant acting from everyone - GREAT.
Tuesday 15 October 2013
"LOVEJOY" 1992-"THECHIEF" 1993-"THE CHOIR" 1994-"HALIFAX ADVERT" 1999-"EMMERDALE" 2008
On 15th October 1992, I returned to Braintree, Essex, for my second day's filming of an episode of "Lovejoy" which I mentioned yesterday.
On this same day , a year later I was in Norwich for my 5th episode of "The Chief" starring Tim Piggott-Smith.
The following year, I was in Gloucester to film my second day of involvement in "The Choir" starring James Fox in the drama written by Joanna Trollop. The scene I was involved with was filmed in tha magnificent Gloucester Cathedral.
Three years later, in 1999, I was on my second day of the "Halifax" advert, where we appeared to be aimlessly walking around and suddenly form the shape of a human "X" , which is the Halifax Building Society logo.
9 years later, on 15th October 2008, I was again in Leeds for my 63rd day of involvement in my favourite programme "Emmerdale".
On this same day , a year later I was in Norwich for my 5th episode of "The Chief" starring Tim Piggott-Smith.
The following year, I was in Gloucester to film my second day of involvement in "The Choir" starring James Fox in the drama written by Joanna Trollop. The scene I was involved with was filmed in tha magnificent Gloucester Cathedral.
Three years later, in 1999, I was on my second day of the "Halifax" advert, where we appeared to be aimlessly walking around and suddenly form the shape of a human "X" , which is the Halifax Building Society logo.
9 years later, on 15th October 2008, I was again in Leeds for my 63rd day of involvement in my favourite programme "Emmerdale".
Monday 14 October 2013
" THE CHIEF" 1990- "LOVEJOY" 1992-" HALIFAX ADVERT" 1999- " EMMERDALE" 2009 & 2010
On 14th October 1990, I had arrived at the Anglia Studios in Norwich and was taken by coach to a location in the city for an episode of "The Chief" starring Tim- Piggot-Smith. This was the second episode of the series that I had been seen in. Later series in 1993 starred Martin Shaw, I appeared in 5 episodes between 1989 and 1993.
On 14th October 1992, I was in Braintree, Essex to be in my first day of two in "Lovejoy" the popular series about a shady antiques dealer in East Anglia. The programme also starred Phyllis Logan who is currently playing a major role in "Downton Abbey".
I returned home that nigh and returned the next day to the same location a total of 370 miles.
On 14th October 1996, I returned to Manchester to be inolved for my second day in " Born to Run", the programme about an amateur athlete competing in a marathon in the North of England.
Also on this day in 1999, I was in Acton, North London to appear in an advert for " Halifax". This was my first day on that advert and I returned to the studio the following day for further involvement.
It was the "Halifax advert where we are all walking aimlessly around and then suddenly group together to form a huge "X" being the Halifax logo.
On 14th October, 10 years later in 2009, I was in Leeds again to be on my 73rd day in " Emmerdale" and again, one year later, to the day, in 2010 I was in Yorkshire to be on my 81st day of filming in this ever popular serial.
On 14th October 1992, I was in Braintree, Essex to be in my first day of two in "Lovejoy" the popular series about a shady antiques dealer in East Anglia. The programme also starred Phyllis Logan who is currently playing a major role in "Downton Abbey".
I returned home that nigh and returned the next day to the same location a total of 370 miles.
On 14th October 1996, I returned to Manchester to be inolved for my second day in " Born to Run", the programme about an amateur athlete competing in a marathon in the North of England.
Also on this day in 1999, I was in Acton, North London to appear in an advert for " Halifax". This was my first day on that advert and I returned to the studio the following day for further involvement.
It was the "Halifax advert where we are all walking aimlessly around and then suddenly group together to form a huge "X" being the Halifax logo.
On 14th October, 10 years later in 2009, I was in Leeds again to be on my 73rd day in " Emmerdale" and again, one year later, to the day, in 2010 I was in Yorkshire to be on my 81st day of filming in this ever popular serial.
Sunday 13 October 2013
" INSPECTOR ALLEYNE" 1992 - " EMMERDALE" 2003
On 13th October 1992, I arrived at the Railway Station in Arley, Nr. Nuneaton, North Warwickshire, for an episode of "Inspector Alleyne Mysteries" starring Patrick Malahide. It was a crime,drama. mystery that ran for 2 series between 1990 and 1994.The series was based on the books by Ngaio Marsh and our scene was being shot on the station platform at Arley, on the Leicester to Birmingham line.
My journey on that day was a 206 mile round trip.
11 years later on 13th October 2003, I was up in Leeds again for my 43 day of filming on that very popular programme. This week has been another nostalgia trip for me because I was back on stage again after 20 years, as the compere for a Charity Show at the Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering, Northamptonshire.
My journey on that day was a 206 mile round trip.
11 years later on 13th October 2003, I was up in Leeds again for my 43 day of filming on that very popular programme. This week has been another nostalgia trip for me because I was back on stage again after 20 years, as the compere for a Charity Show at the Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering, Northamptonshire.
Saturday 12 October 2013
" DALZIEL & PASCOE" 1997
On 12th October 1997, I was in Wolverhampton for my third episode of "Dalziel & Pascoe" starring Warren Clark & Colin Buchanan.
From 1995 to 2004, I appeared in 14 episodes of that programme, and on this day particular day we were filming in an Hotel in Wolverhampton. This was my only day on that series during 1997, I was not on it again until my further involvement in 4 episodes in 1998 and a further 7 episodes over the following 6 years until my final one on July 8th 2004.
From 1995 to 2004, I appeared in 14 episodes of that programme, and on this day particular day we were filming in an Hotel in Wolverhampton. This was my only day on that series during 1997, I was not on it again until my further involvement in 4 episodes in 1998 and a further 7 episodes over the following 6 years until my final one on July 8th 2004.
Friday 11 October 2013
"PICNIC" 1987 - "CASUALTY" - " NATURAL WORLD" 1998
On the 11th October 1987, I had been booked to be a car driver, passing by a cyclist, in a BBC play called "Picnic". The scene was shot at night-time, by the River Nene at Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.
I was required to drive my own car past a lady cyclist, who was the main character, being played by Billie Whitelaw. My own car was being repaired at a local garage and my daughter's boy-friend offered to drive me to Wisbech and allow me to drive his car for the scene I was in. That day became a memorable date because earlier at lunchtime,my daughter and her boy-friend became engaged and the two of them spent a cold night on that riverbank in Wisbech, watching me driving up and down the road for numerous takes of that scene that was not completed until the early hours of the next morning.
On 11th October 1995, I was in Bristol again, for another episode of "Casualty", As I was in many episodes of that series, this was one of those times where I do not remember any significant details about that day.
Similarly on 11th October 1998, I was again in Bristol to film an episode of "Natural World". It was filmed in an old part of Bristol called Christmas Steps which was a very steep lane that led down o a small shopping mall. It was not about the Christmas period but all I can remember about that day was that we were under a rain machine and got soaked through to the skin. I was surprised to find that they did not provide any drying facilities and had expected us to take a change of clothing, a fact that I was never told. I had to drive home in a very damp state and was pleased that I did not catch a serious cold from that experience.
I was required to drive my own car past a lady cyclist, who was the main character, being played by Billie Whitelaw. My own car was being repaired at a local garage and my daughter's boy-friend offered to drive me to Wisbech and allow me to drive his car for the scene I was in. That day became a memorable date because earlier at lunchtime,my daughter and her boy-friend became engaged and the two of them spent a cold night on that riverbank in Wisbech, watching me driving up and down the road for numerous takes of that scene that was not completed until the early hours of the next morning.
On 11th October 1995, I was in Bristol again, for another episode of "Casualty", As I was in many episodes of that series, this was one of those times where I do not remember any significant details about that day.
Similarly on 11th October 1998, I was again in Bristol to film an episode of "Natural World". It was filmed in an old part of Bristol called Christmas Steps which was a very steep lane that led down o a small shopping mall. It was not about the Christmas period but all I can remember about that day was that we were under a rain machine and got soaked through to the skin. I was surprised to find that they did not provide any drying facilities and had expected us to take a change of clothing, a fact that I was never told. I had to drive home in a very damp state and was pleased that I did not catch a serious cold from that experience.
Thursday 10 October 2013
"CROSSROADS" 2001
Since my first Supporting role in "Crossroads" in 1985,I have been in 7 episodes and my my final visit to the Birmingham Studios had been on 24th September1987 my 46th Birthday. This original series ran from 1964 to 1988.
In 2001 Carlton TV brought back the series and re-set it in Nottingham in March 2001. Some members of the original cast were kept on including Kathy Staff, Tony Adams and Jill Harvey. Incoming cast included Emma Noble and Sherrie Hewson. This 2nd series only ran from 2001 to 2003 and filmed from the V=Carlton studio in Lenton Lane Nottingham. I met Paul Henry(who played Benny Hawkins) at a Golf Club in Whitchurch. He was the owner of that Golf Complex when I was the Toastmaster at a Wedding Reception at that venue on 26th July 2003.
In 2001 Carlton TV brought back the series and re-set it in Nottingham in March 2001. Some members of the original cast were kept on including Kathy Staff, Tony Adams and Jill Harvey. Incoming cast included Emma Noble and Sherrie Hewson. This 2nd series only ran from 2001 to 2003 and filmed from the V=Carlton studio in Lenton Lane Nottingham. I met Paul Henry(who played Benny Hawkins) at a Golf Club in Whitchurch. He was the owner of that Golf Complex when I was the Toastmaster at a Wedding Reception at that venue on 26th July 2003.
Wednesday 9 October 2013
" VALENTINE PARK" 1987
On the 8th October 1987, I was booked to be on a Central TV programme , filmed at Lenton Lane Studios in Nottingham, called "Valentine Park". I was due to be there for 7.30am that morning and had started out to travel from home to Nottingham via Melton Mowbray. I had passed the town of Melton and was nearing the outskirts of Nottingham, when I was hit by another car coming that drove straight over the crossroads without stopping. I had to be rescued through the side window and was taken back to Melton Mowbray.
After being treated for shock I called my agent and told him the circumstances. He advised me to hire a taxi to the studios, who he subsequently notified, and I eventually arrived late at the Studios.
I was ushered into my own dressing room and looked after very well by the staff, who seemed very concerned about my accident.
That episode of " Valentine Park" was a live broadcast, with a studio audience. I had missed the morning rehearsals but was called into the studio for the final run through before the doors were opened for the audience. A comedian then kept the audience amused until almost transmission time. The programme was screened live later that evening and seemed to be well received by the live audience.
That series, Series 2, revolved around the Head Gardener, Tom, (played by Ken Jones) who worked in a large Public Park, loves his job and is proud of his blooms, especially his marigolds. Also working in the Park is Max ( David Thewlis), Bodie ( Danny Peacock) and Doyle ( Bernard Patton). Max rents a room in a house owned by mad landlady Mrs. Giles (played by the wonderful Liz Smith).
The programme ran for only two Series between1987 and 1998.
At the end of the show I was informed that my car was a write off, but my Wife and Son-in-in Law came to the Studio to gave me a lift home.
After being treated for shock I called my agent and told him the circumstances. He advised me to hire a taxi to the studios, who he subsequently notified, and I eventually arrived late at the Studios.
I was ushered into my own dressing room and looked after very well by the staff, who seemed very concerned about my accident.
That episode of " Valentine Park" was a live broadcast, with a studio audience. I had missed the morning rehearsals but was called into the studio for the final run through before the doors were opened for the audience. A comedian then kept the audience amused until almost transmission time. The programme was screened live later that evening and seemed to be well received by the live audience.
That series, Series 2, revolved around the Head Gardener, Tom, (played by Ken Jones) who worked in a large Public Park, loves his job and is proud of his blooms, especially his marigolds. Also working in the Park is Max ( David Thewlis), Bodie ( Danny Peacock) and Doyle ( Bernard Patton). Max rents a room in a house owned by mad landlady Mrs. Giles (played by the wonderful Liz Smith).
The programme ran for only two Series between1987 and 1998.
At the end of the show I was informed that my car was a write off, but my Wife and Son-in-in Law came to the Studio to gave me a lift home.
Friday 4 October 2013
"PEAK PRACTICE" 1996 - "HEARTBEAT" 1999
4th October 1996 was the day after I had been in Birmingham for " Crossroads" when I had arrived at a Hotel near Matlock to be in an episode of " Peak Practice".
The scene that I was in on that day was set in the ballroom of the hotel at a Dinner/Dance occasion.
Some of us had been chosen to dance a Waltz whilst the other Supporting Artistes were sat at tables surrounding the dance floor. Michael Elphick and Neil Morrissey, playing the parts of Ken Boon and Rocky were the principal actors in the scene.
The call time had been 7.30am and, as I had been called for 8.30am the previous day in Birmingham for "Crossroads" and not returned home until later that evening, I had only managed a few hours sleep before I was on the road again up into North Derbyshire.
The day on "Peak Practice" had been a longer day for me than the previous one had been and when the 2nd Assistant Director was about to call a "wrap", he aked for about 8 of us to remain for one more scene.
His excellent choice for retaining those 8 people was based on how far we had travelled to the venue.
As my one way journey had been almost 100 miles it meant that I was not needed to stay longer into the night. The 8 people that remained were those within the shortest distance from Matlock.
The 4th October 1999, was one of my most enjoyable days on "Heartbeat". I had arrived at the YTV studios in Leeds and had been taken by coach to Ripon in North Yorkshire for my first day of two on that episode. The scene was set in a dis-used Court House near to Ripon Cathedral and I was playing the role of a Magistrate. Jason Durr was in the leading role as the young policeman and Bill Maynard was in the dock playing the role of Greengrass. The actress playing the role of the chief witness was Sylvia Sims, who had starred with John Mills and Anthony Quaill in that excellent film " Ice Cold in Alex".
That episode of " Heartbeat" is still being occasionally repeated on British Television during their afternoon schedules.
The scene that I was in on that day was set in the ballroom of the hotel at a Dinner/Dance occasion.
Some of us had been chosen to dance a Waltz whilst the other Supporting Artistes were sat at tables surrounding the dance floor. Michael Elphick and Neil Morrissey, playing the parts of Ken Boon and Rocky were the principal actors in the scene.
The call time had been 7.30am and, as I had been called for 8.30am the previous day in Birmingham for "Crossroads" and not returned home until later that evening, I had only managed a few hours sleep before I was on the road again up into North Derbyshire.
The day on "Peak Practice" had been a longer day for me than the previous one had been and when the 2nd Assistant Director was about to call a "wrap", he aked for about 8 of us to remain for one more scene.
His excellent choice for retaining those 8 people was based on how far we had travelled to the venue.
As my one way journey had been almost 100 miles it meant that I was not needed to stay longer into the night. The 8 people that remained were those within the shortest distance from Matlock.
The 4th October 1999, was one of my most enjoyable days on "Heartbeat". I had arrived at the YTV studios in Leeds and had been taken by coach to Ripon in North Yorkshire for my first day of two on that episode. The scene was set in a dis-used Court House near to Ripon Cathedral and I was playing the role of a Magistrate. Jason Durr was in the leading role as the young policeman and Bill Maynard was in the dock playing the role of Greengrass. The actress playing the role of the chief witness was Sylvia Sims, who had starred with John Mills and Anthony Quaill in that excellent film " Ice Cold in Alex".
That episode of " Heartbeat" is still being occasionally repeated on British Television during their afternoon schedules.
Thursday 3 October 2013
" CROSSROADS" 1985 & 1986
From 3rd April 1985 and 3rd October 1985, I had only been in one Training Film for Kodak, "Marjorie & Men" for Anglia TV, my first "Crossroads" on 11th July and "Lovejoy" on 13th August and 24th September for BBC.
I arrived at the ATV studios in Broad Street Birmingham on 3rd October 1985 for my second appearance in "Crossroads". Birmingham was a lot different in those days than it is today. I parked my car in the multi storey car park situated on the bottom left-hand side of Bridge Street. Walking back up towards Broad Street, on my left had side was the James Brindley public house and on the top left hand side of the road was another public house. The right hand side of Bridge Street housed the Central Television Studios which were surrounded by spear railings that were painted in the yellow ,red and orange colours of the ITV Studios.
Today the James Brindley public house has been refurbished and the area behind it, which was originally the Gas Street Basin, has been developed into Brindley Place, which now stretches from the Mail Box to the Indoor Arena. The area between it also houses the Symphony Hall and the Indoor Conference Centre.
The public houseat the top left hand corner of Bridge Street and New Street and the building below it leading to the James Brindley pub have since been demolished and the tall Hyatt Hotel now stands dominantly over that area opposite exterior of the Indoor Conference Centre Complex housing the Symphony Hall with the Repertory Theatre standing on the other side of a plaza re-created from a former parkland which existed in that place in the 1980's.
By 1985, he main characters had changed from the original cast and when I began to be involved Noel Gordon, who had played Meg Richardson, the owner of the Crossroads Motel, had been replaced by Gabriella Drake but Susan Hanson was still playing Miss Dianne, Paul Henry as Benny and Tony Adams as Adam Chance.
By 3rd October 1986, exactly on year later, I had only been involved in 4 more days of filming.
My first "Boon" was on 8th January 1985 followed by my 3rd "Crossroads" on 25th April 1986, " Forgotten Dreams" with Paul Freeman and Judy Lowe, filmed at Sutton Park on 30th June 1986 and , up to this date, my 4th Crossroads on 3rd October 1986.
These early days were invaluable in gaining experience of working on Television programmes, I was still performing as a Cabaret Artiste travelling throughout the Country as a Singer/Comedian/Impressionist, plus I had also become a professional Toastmaster in 1980.
I arrived at the ATV studios in Broad Street Birmingham on 3rd October 1985 for my second appearance in "Crossroads". Birmingham was a lot different in those days than it is today. I parked my car in the multi storey car park situated on the bottom left-hand side of Bridge Street. Walking back up towards Broad Street, on my left had side was the James Brindley public house and on the top left hand side of the road was another public house. The right hand side of Bridge Street housed the Central Television Studios which were surrounded by spear railings that were painted in the yellow ,red and orange colours of the ITV Studios.
Today the James Brindley public house has been refurbished and the area behind it, which was originally the Gas Street Basin, has been developed into Brindley Place, which now stretches from the Mail Box to the Indoor Arena. The area between it also houses the Symphony Hall and the Indoor Conference Centre.
The public houseat the top left hand corner of Bridge Street and New Street and the building below it leading to the James Brindley pub have since been demolished and the tall Hyatt Hotel now stands dominantly over that area opposite exterior of the Indoor Conference Centre Complex housing the Symphony Hall with the Repertory Theatre standing on the other side of a plaza re-created from a former parkland which existed in that place in the 1980's.
By 1985, he main characters had changed from the original cast and when I began to be involved Noel Gordon, who had played Meg Richardson, the owner of the Crossroads Motel, had been replaced by Gabriella Drake but Susan Hanson was still playing Miss Dianne, Paul Henry as Benny and Tony Adams as Adam Chance.
By 3rd October 1986, exactly on year later, I had only been involved in 4 more days of filming.
My first "Boon" was on 8th January 1985 followed by my 3rd "Crossroads" on 25th April 1986, " Forgotten Dreams" with Paul Freeman and Judy Lowe, filmed at Sutton Park on 30th June 1986 and , up to this date, my 4th Crossroads on 3rd October 1986.
These early days were invaluable in gaining experience of working on Television programmes, I was still performing as a Cabaret Artiste travelling throughout the Country as a Singer/Comedian/Impressionist, plus I had also become a professional Toastmaster in 1980.
Wednesday 2 October 2013
"CASUALTY" 1991 - "WOOF" 1996 - "HOLBY CITY" 2000
On 2nd October 1991 I was at Bristol Airport to be in a night-shoot of "Casualty". The episode focused on an aircrash and my first two days had been spend in an aircraft in a disused hanger near Swindon.
The airport at Bristol closed to the public after the last outgoing flight and we were then taken out to a disused runway that had been made to look like a motorway and the nose of the plane was embedded in the embankment. The set was very realistic and it looked eerie in the bright lights that lit the area.
The scene that I was involved with required me and those playing other passengers to enter the plane and line up near the emergency exit from which an inflated slide/chute was attached from the plane to the ground.
On " action" we jumped out of the plane onto the chute with our arms folded over our chests and slid th the ground where ambulances were situated to take us to hospital. Some of the supporting artistes seemed to think it was great fun jumping out of the aircraft and were smiling as they jumped. The director hastily pointed out that they should be acting scared and apprehensive , as it was a serious scene. The scene involved many "takes" that evening and we were there until it started to get light the next morning.
October 2nd 1996 was the only day I was involved in the Children's TV series "Woof", which was a fantasy series about a young boy who changed into a dog and rescued people from awkward situations.
The scene was filmed in the grounds of Belvoir Castle, the stately home of the Duke of Rutland, and a few tents had been erected for a village fair setting. It involved a lady pushing a pram containing a baby, she somehow lets go of the pram and it starts to roll down a hill towards some tents. The young boy changes into the dog and chases after the pram and safely guides it into one of the tents.
It seems unbelievable but the series was very popular for quite a few years in the 1990's.
October 2nd 2000 was my 4th day since 22nd September that year on an episode of " Holby City".
I have mentioned the "putdown " about my age in earliert blogs and have never accepted any work on that programme in those 13 years.
The airport at Bristol closed to the public after the last outgoing flight and we were then taken out to a disused runway that had been made to look like a motorway and the nose of the plane was embedded in the embankment. The set was very realistic and it looked eerie in the bright lights that lit the area.
The scene that I was involved with required me and those playing other passengers to enter the plane and line up near the emergency exit from which an inflated slide/chute was attached from the plane to the ground.
On " action" we jumped out of the plane onto the chute with our arms folded over our chests and slid th the ground where ambulances were situated to take us to hospital. Some of the supporting artistes seemed to think it was great fun jumping out of the aircraft and were smiling as they jumped. The director hastily pointed out that they should be acting scared and apprehensive , as it was a serious scene. The scene involved many "takes" that evening and we were there until it started to get light the next morning.
October 2nd 1996 was the only day I was involved in the Children's TV series "Woof", which was a fantasy series about a young boy who changed into a dog and rescued people from awkward situations.
The scene was filmed in the grounds of Belvoir Castle, the stately home of the Duke of Rutland, and a few tents had been erected for a village fair setting. It involved a lady pushing a pram containing a baby, she somehow lets go of the pram and it starts to roll down a hill towards some tents. The young boy changes into the dog and chases after the pram and safely guides it into one of the tents.
It seems unbelievable but the series was very popular for quite a few years in the 1990's.
October 2nd 2000 was my 4th day since 22nd September that year on an episode of " Holby City".
I have mentioned the "putdown " about my age in earliert blogs and have never accepted any work on that programme in those 13 years.
Tuesday 1 October 2013
" THE BILL" 1992 - " PEAK PRACTICE" 1995
On 1st October 1992, I was in Merton, South London for my 4th appearance in the police drama " The Bill". My first appearance had been in 1991 and from that date to 1995 I appeared in 10 episodes.
I was always a passer-by or an onlooker in street scenes and never got to be seen in any courtroom scenes or police station close ups.
On 1st October 1995, I was in Belper, Derbyshire for my 7th day on "Peak Practice.
My first day on that programme had been in 1992 and between 1992 and 2001. I appeared in 26 episodes.
I was nearer to the camera on many of those episodes and occasionally recognised in scenes in public houses or doctor's surgeries scenes.
This day in Belper was a street scene but many of the episodes that I was involved with were filmed in Matlock, Crich, and Ripley, all in the Peak District as well as the many scenes filmed in the studio at Codnor in the Amber Valley.
I was always a passer-by or an onlooker in street scenes and never got to be seen in any courtroom scenes or police station close ups.
On 1st October 1995, I was in Belper, Derbyshire for my 7th day on "Peak Practice.
My first day on that programme had been in 1992 and between 1992 and 2001. I appeared in 26 episodes.
I was nearer to the camera on many of those episodes and occasionally recognised in scenes in public houses or doctor's surgeries scenes.
This day in Belper was a street scene but many of the episodes that I was involved with were filmed in Matlock, Crich, and Ripley, all in the Peak District as well as the many scenes filmed in the studio at Codnor in the Amber Valley.
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