I attended the first performance of the Kettering and District Gang Show on Wednesday 27th November at the Lighthouse Theatre Kettering to hear one my songs, " My Home Town ", being sung in public for the first time.
This is my fourth composition to have been performed in public, previously having a school, then a church choir singing my christmas carol " Born to be a King " followed by my march " The Kettering March ", which was played during a public procession round the town on the way to my Civic Service when I was the Mayor of Kettering in 2001 and , for the second time. by the Salvation Army Brass Band in a concert in 2002.
Originally " Happy Town of Steel ", which was my first to be recorded and released in 1971.
Thursday 27 November 2014
Saturday 11 October 2014
"CASUALTY" season 12 episode 23
My only previous guest appearance on Television can be found recorded on IMDb as Boxing M.C. and Referee on "Casualty" Series 12, episode 23, "Taking sides", which was recorded on 11th December 1997 and screened on 7th February 1998.
I was asked to give my dialogue in a "rougher voice" than my natural "rather sedate" tones, so I adopted a Glaswegian accent for the part.
I have now made the decision to put myself forward for any small roles that may arise and hope that I may be given the opportunity to work more closely with some of the very talented Actors that are working on Film and Television programmes these days.
I was asked to give my dialogue in a "rougher voice" than my natural "rather sedate" tones, so I adopted a Glaswegian accent for the part.
I have now made the decision to put myself forward for any small roles that may arise and hope that I may be given the opportunity to work more closely with some of the very talented Actors that are working on Film and Television programmes these days.
STEPPING INTO THE FOREGROUND
After 30 years as a "Background Artiste" Bobby Civil will be aiming to step into the foreground very shortly and attempt to obtain minor roles in Film and Television Productions.
Friday 18 July 2014
" STAY LUCKY " 1991
On 17th July 1991, I arrived at the YTV Television studios in Leeds to be in an episode of " Stay Lucky " starring Dennis Waterman and Jan Francis.
This was my first visit to the studios in Yorkshire and it was going to be another 2 years before I returned to those studios to be in my first episode of " Emmerdale " on 14th June 1993.
On 17th July 1991, I was taken, with the other Supporting Artistes to a Working Men's Club in the Leeds area, I seem to remember it was in Pudsey, to be in a scene watching a cabaret.
My second visit, to be in " Emmerdale ", was again not in the studio, but myself and the Supporting Artistes were taken to the village of Eshot, where the outside scenes of "Emmerdale " were filmed in those days.
during the filming of " Stay Lucky ", I met up with Tony Peers who I had been the compere of a couple of Shows where I was performing at the Butlin's Ocean Hotel,Saltdean, near Brighton in the 1960's.
Tony was playing the role of the Compere in the scene that we were filming on that day in 1991.
I have now been to the Yorkshire TV studios on many occasions to film " Emmerdale " and " Heartbeat ", but for the " Heartbeat " episodes we were taken to various interior locations, rather than being in the studio.
This was my first visit to the studios in Yorkshire and it was going to be another 2 years before I returned to those studios to be in my first episode of " Emmerdale " on 14th June 1993.
On 17th July 1991, I was taken, with the other Supporting Artistes to a Working Men's Club in the Leeds area, I seem to remember it was in Pudsey, to be in a scene watching a cabaret.
My second visit, to be in " Emmerdale ", was again not in the studio, but myself and the Supporting Artistes were taken to the village of Eshot, where the outside scenes of "Emmerdale " were filmed in those days.
during the filming of " Stay Lucky ", I met up with Tony Peers who I had been the compere of a couple of Shows where I was performing at the Butlin's Ocean Hotel,Saltdean, near Brighton in the 1960's.
Tony was playing the role of the Compere in the scene that we were filming on that day in 1991.
I have now been to the Yorkshire TV studios on many occasions to film " Emmerdale " and " Heartbeat ", but for the " Heartbeat " episodes we were taken to various interior locations, rather than being in the studio.
Monday 14 July 2014
" NICE TOWN " 1992
On 14th July 1992, I was in Harlow to be in an episode of "Nice Town ", a BBC TV mini series of 3 episodes.
" Nice Town " starred Paul McGann, Phil Davies, Brigit Forsyth, Gwyneth Strong, Judy Cornwall, Neil Dudgeon, and also Ray Winstone, who was only in one episode and that was the episode in which I took part in a scene with him and Phil Davies.
About ten of us were sat around a table in a murky room and a "joint" cigarette was passed around each of us.
The series was about domestic violence in one of the " New Towns " built on the edge of London, and the character of Phil Davies was the violent husband to the character played by Brigit Forsyth.
" Nice Town " starred Paul McGann, Phil Davies, Brigit Forsyth, Gwyneth Strong, Judy Cornwall, Neil Dudgeon, and also Ray Winstone, who was only in one episode and that was the episode in which I took part in a scene with him and Phil Davies.
About ten of us were sat around a table in a murky room and a "joint" cigarette was passed around each of us.
The series was about domestic violence in one of the " New Towns " built on the edge of London, and the character of Phil Davies was the violent husband to the character played by Brigit Forsyth.
Saturday 12 July 2014
"SHADOW OF THE NOOSE " 1988
On 12th July 1988, I travelled to Pebble Mill Studios to travel on a BBC coach to Stoke on Trent, to be in my first day of seven in "Shadow of the Noose".
The Edwardian court-room drama series, made by BBC and written by Richard Cooper, charted 8 true life cases by one of Britain's most successful and showman-like barristers, Edward Marshall-Hall.
I was in the first four episodes playing the part of the Court Bailiff and needed to travel to the BBC studios at Pebble Mill, Birmingham to get the BBC coach for crew and supporting artistes which took us to Burslem,
Stoke on Trent, where a replica of the Old Bailey had been constructed inside the Royal Theatre.
The main role was Jonathan Hyde who played the part of Edward Marshall-Hall and when we had all been to the make-up department, I was given side whiskers and a moustache, we began filming and the actors were so convincing in their characters that the atmosphere was such that I could imagine that we were really in the Old Bailey, all those years ago in Edwardian times - scary, but a great experience.
As I was needed for 7 consecutive days filming, I had booked into theatrical lodgings on the edge of Birmingham, to save me the 150 mile round trips and reduce the travel time caused by the early morning starts and late finishes plus the minimal sleep time that would have been encountered.
The Edwardian court-room drama series, made by BBC and written by Richard Cooper, charted 8 true life cases by one of Britain's most successful and showman-like barristers, Edward Marshall-Hall.
I was in the first four episodes playing the part of the Court Bailiff and needed to travel to the BBC studios at Pebble Mill, Birmingham to get the BBC coach for crew and supporting artistes which took us to Burslem,
Stoke on Trent, where a replica of the Old Bailey had been constructed inside the Royal Theatre.
The main role was Jonathan Hyde who played the part of Edward Marshall-Hall and when we had all been to the make-up department, I was given side whiskers and a moustache, we began filming and the actors were so convincing in their characters that the atmosphere was such that I could imagine that we were really in the Old Bailey, all those years ago in Edwardian times - scary, but a great experience.
As I was needed for 7 consecutive days filming, I had booked into theatrical lodgings on the edge of Birmingham, to save me the 150 mile round trips and reduce the travel time caused by the early morning starts and late finishes plus the minimal sleep time that would have been encountered.
Friday 6 June 2014
GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
50 years ago today I was at St. Mary's Church, Weldon, Northants, getting married to Barbara.
We are delighted to be celebrating our Golden Wedding Anniversary today.
Originally 20 years after the D Day Landings and today 70 years since that day in 1944.
We are delighted to be celebrating our Golden Wedding Anniversary today.
Originally 20 years after the D Day Landings and today 70 years since that day in 1944.
Monday 26 May 2014
" INSPECTOR MORSE " 1998
On 26th May 1998, I was at the Black Country Museum in Dudley, Nr. Birmingham, to be in an episode of " Inspector Morse ". The episode was entitled " The Wench is Dead " and I was playing the role of a bargee.
The story was that Morse is taken seriously ill at a museum reception and is hospitalised.
Whilst there he takes an interest in a 140 year old case known as the Oxford Canal Murders.
The case involved the murder and rape of a young woman traveling by canal boat from Coventry to London.
The case resulted in two men being hanged and Morse believes there was a miscarriage of justice.
With Lewis away on an Inspector's course, Supt. Strange, who has counselled Morse to take an early retirement, assigns fast-track university graduate PC Adrian Kershaw to do some legwork for him.
Morse determines that a fraud took place and that the victim may have been someone else altogether.
The scene that I was involved with was a flash-back to 1858 when the crime was commited and was filmed on the canal section that runs through the Black Country Museum.
This was to be my second visit to that location for filming purposes, my first had been in 1987 for " Sophia and Constance " and my third was as recent as November 2013 for " WPC 56 ".
The story was that Morse is taken seriously ill at a museum reception and is hospitalised.
Whilst there he takes an interest in a 140 year old case known as the Oxford Canal Murders.
The case involved the murder and rape of a young woman traveling by canal boat from Coventry to London.
The case resulted in two men being hanged and Morse believes there was a miscarriage of justice.
With Lewis away on an Inspector's course, Supt. Strange, who has counselled Morse to take an early retirement, assigns fast-track university graduate PC Adrian Kershaw to do some legwork for him.
Morse determines that a fraud took place and that the victim may have been someone else altogether.
The scene that I was involved with was a flash-back to 1858 when the crime was commited and was filmed on the canal section that runs through the Black Country Museum.
This was to be my second visit to that location for filming purposes, my first had been in 1987 for " Sophia and Constance " and my third was as recent as November 2013 for " WPC 56 ".
Monday 21 April 2014
" VELVET GOLDMINE " 1997 - Glamrock film
On 21st April 1997, I was at the Bray studios in Berkshire to be in a scene in " Velvet Goldmine ".
a film which was released in 1998 and starred Ewan McGregor, Christian Bale, Eddie Izzard and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
I was in a scene with Ewan McGregor and Eddie Izzard and I was playing the part of a member of a Welsh Choir.
The story was - 1971: Glamrock explodes all over the world and challenges the seriousness with the flower power generation by means of glitter and brutal music. Brian Slade, a young rock star, inspires numerous teenage boys and girls to paint their nails and explore their own sexuality. In the end Slade destroys himself, unable to escape the role he has created for himself, he plots his own murder. When his fans discover that his murder is a fake, his star falls and he is forgotten about.
1984: Arthur, a journalist working for a New York newspaper, gets assigned the story about the fake murder of Brian Slade. When Arthur was young and grew up in Manchester he was more than a fan of Slade. Reluctantly he accepts the assignment and starts to investigate what happened to his old Glamrock hero.
a film which was released in 1998 and starred Ewan McGregor, Christian Bale, Eddie Izzard and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
I was in a scene with Ewan McGregor and Eddie Izzard and I was playing the part of a member of a Welsh Choir.
The story was - 1971: Glamrock explodes all over the world and challenges the seriousness with the flower power generation by means of glitter and brutal music. Brian Slade, a young rock star, inspires numerous teenage boys and girls to paint their nails and explore their own sexuality. In the end Slade destroys himself, unable to escape the role he has created for himself, he plots his own murder. When his fans discover that his murder is a fake, his star falls and he is forgotten about.
1984: Arthur, a journalist working for a New York newspaper, gets assigned the story about the fake murder of Brian Slade. When Arthur was young and grew up in Manchester he was more than a fan of Slade. Reluctantly he accepts the assignment and starts to investigate what happened to his old Glamrock hero.
Sunday 13 April 2014
"BARBARA " 2000
On 13th April 2000, I was in the village of Ashlockton, 12 miles east of Nottingham for a scene from the TV series " Barbara " starring Gwen Taylor in the tile role.
" Barbara " was a British sitcom and a pilot had been broadcast in 1995,three series were then televised between 1999 and 2003. It was made by Central Television and filmed at their Lenton Lane studios in Nottingham in front of live studio audience.
The majority of the location scenes were filmed in various suburbs of Nottingham with additional scenes filmed in nearby Derbyshire.
I was in a scene from an episode in series two which involve Barbara , played by Gwen Taylor descending in a parachute into an open grave in a graveyard.
I was playing the part of one of the mourners and the coffin was already in the open grave waiting to be filld in with earth, when Barbara accidentally parachutes into it.The name on the coffin was Les, and during the rehearsals somebody asked if Les had a surname. I said it was short for Lesurus and he might come back to life. The crew were very quiet but Gwen Taylor started laughing and said that it was quite funny, then everyone else started to laugh. - I was not in any future episodes.
" Barbara " was a British sitcom and a pilot had been broadcast in 1995,three series were then televised between 1999 and 2003. It was made by Central Television and filmed at their Lenton Lane studios in Nottingham in front of live studio audience.
The majority of the location scenes were filmed in various suburbs of Nottingham with additional scenes filmed in nearby Derbyshire.
I was in a scene from an episode in series two which involve Barbara , played by Gwen Taylor descending in a parachute into an open grave in a graveyard.
I was playing the part of one of the mourners and the coffin was already in the open grave waiting to be filld in with earth, when Barbara accidentally parachutes into it.The name on the coffin was Les, and during the rehearsals somebody asked if Les had a surname. I said it was short for Lesurus and he might come back to life. The crew were very quiet but Gwen Taylor started laughing and said that it was quite funny, then everyone else started to laugh. - I was not in any future episodes.
Wednesday 9 April 2014
" VANITY FAIR " 1998 and previously 1987
On 9th April 1998, I arrived at St. Paul's Walden Bury, Near Hitchin, Hertfordshire, for my third day at this location for an episode of " Vanity Fair ".
St. Paul's Walden Bury is famous for being the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother , her family , the Bowes Lyons still live there as they have since 1725.
My first and second days had been at the same location over the previous two days and I was to be involved in a further 3 days of filming " Vanity Fair " on 13th May in Islington, North London, 27th May at Gloucester Docks, a night shoot and my 6th day in Alcester, Warwickshire.
This 1998 version was a TV mini series and starred Natasha Little as Becky Sharpe, Frances Grey as Amelia Sedley, Philip Glenister as William Dobbin, Nathaniel Parker as Rawdon Crawley and Michele Dotrice as Mrs. Smedley.
I had also been in three days of filming around the grounds of Norwich Cathedral for the 1987 version of
" Vanity Fair ", a 16 episode series of 30 minutes each.
This earlier version had starred Eve Matheson as Becky, Rebecca Saire as Amelia, Simon Dormandy as William, Jack Klaff as Rawdon and a superb performance by Freddie Jones as Sir Pitt Crawley.
I still vividly recall Freddie acting in a scene that I was in which involved him opening the door of his house and having a confrontation with another character. It was a brilliant shakespearian performance from him and I still think about that scene in Norwich every time I appear in scenes with him when I am working in " Emmerdale ", where Freddie is currently playing the part of Sandy, the father of Ashley the former vicar.
St. Paul's Walden Bury is famous for being the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother , her family , the Bowes Lyons still live there as they have since 1725.
My first and second days had been at the same location over the previous two days and I was to be involved in a further 3 days of filming " Vanity Fair " on 13th May in Islington, North London, 27th May at Gloucester Docks, a night shoot and my 6th day in Alcester, Warwickshire.
This 1998 version was a TV mini series and starred Natasha Little as Becky Sharpe, Frances Grey as Amelia Sedley, Philip Glenister as William Dobbin, Nathaniel Parker as Rawdon Crawley and Michele Dotrice as Mrs. Smedley.
I had also been in three days of filming around the grounds of Norwich Cathedral for the 1987 version of
" Vanity Fair ", a 16 episode series of 30 minutes each.
This earlier version had starred Eve Matheson as Becky, Rebecca Saire as Amelia, Simon Dormandy as William, Jack Klaff as Rawdon and a superb performance by Freddie Jones as Sir Pitt Crawley.
I still vividly recall Freddie acting in a scene that I was in which involved him opening the door of his house and having a confrontation with another character. It was a brilliant shakespearian performance from him and I still think about that scene in Norwich every time I appear in scenes with him when I am working in " Emmerdale ", where Freddie is currently playing the part of Sandy, the father of Ashley the former vicar.
Saturday 5 April 2014
" NICE WORK " 1989 - BBC TV mini-series
On 5th April 1989, I arrived at a factory site in Great Bridge, Birmingham to be in my first scenes of a BBC Television series called " Nice Work ". My call time on this first day was 8.30 pm and e filmed through the night until 6.15am the next morning.
The following day I arrived for a call time of 1.45am and the scene was completed by 3.15 am.
This scene that took two nights to film involved me as one of 5 company directors in a board meeting.
I had been made up to Walk -on One and was in a smoke filled boardroom with Warren Clarke, Hadyn Gwynne and John Forgeham and others.
The First Assistant Director was William Hartley, and whenever I have met him since he still recalls that smoke filled room scene.
My third day was from 7.45 am to 3.15 pm and was still continuity for this first scene, and my fourth day was from 8 am until 6.45pm at which point the scene was completed.
On my fifth, and final day , I was filmed in a dream sequence with nymphs, which was shot on the campus of Birmingham University in Edgbaston. The call time was 8 am. and we were wrapped at 7pm having completed 5 very enjoyable days and learning a lot about certain parts of acting from some of the main cast.
The " Nice Work ", was a 4 episode BBC Television mini-series based on a novel written by David Lodge and starred Hadyn Gwynne as Dr. Robyn Penrose who is a lecturer in English at Rummidge University. Vic Wilson, played by Warren Clarke, is the Managing Director of Pringles, an engineering firm in Rummidge.
They meet when Robyn is told by her Head of Department to " shadow " Vic as part of Industry Year.
They are initially hostile to each other but gradually come to understand each other's point of view.
The series was repeated on BBC about a year later, and because I had been " made up " to Walk on One,
I received extra repeat fees for my role in the series. A very worthwhile and rewarding 5 days/nights in Birmingham 25 years ago.
The following day I arrived for a call time of 1.45am and the scene was completed by 3.15 am.
This scene that took two nights to film involved me as one of 5 company directors in a board meeting.
I had been made up to Walk -on One and was in a smoke filled boardroom with Warren Clarke, Hadyn Gwynne and John Forgeham and others.
The First Assistant Director was William Hartley, and whenever I have met him since he still recalls that smoke filled room scene.
My third day was from 7.45 am to 3.15 pm and was still continuity for this first scene, and my fourth day was from 8 am until 6.45pm at which point the scene was completed.
On my fifth, and final day , I was filmed in a dream sequence with nymphs, which was shot on the campus of Birmingham University in Edgbaston. The call time was 8 am. and we were wrapped at 7pm having completed 5 very enjoyable days and learning a lot about certain parts of acting from some of the main cast.
The " Nice Work ", was a 4 episode BBC Television mini-series based on a novel written by David Lodge and starred Hadyn Gwynne as Dr. Robyn Penrose who is a lecturer in English at Rummidge University. Vic Wilson, played by Warren Clarke, is the Managing Director of Pringles, an engineering firm in Rummidge.
They meet when Robyn is told by her Head of Department to " shadow " Vic as part of Industry Year.
They are initially hostile to each other but gradually come to understand each other's point of view.
The series was repeated on BBC about a year later, and because I had been " made up " to Walk on One,
I received extra repeat fees for my role in the series. A very worthwhile and rewarding 5 days/nights in Birmingham 25 years ago.
Thursday 3 April 2014
" MARJORIE AND MEN " 1985 - Now completed 29 years on TV
On 3rd April 1985, I arrived on location at the Cafe de Paris in Cromer,North Norfolk, for my first ever appearance in a Television series.
" Marjorie and Men " was a 30 minute comedy series of six, 30 minute episodes starring Patricia Routledge and Patricia Hayes as mother and daughter with 6 different male guest stars as the "men " in each episode.
I was in episode 4, " Taking the Waters " which co-starred Mark Kingston as Mr. Beresford.
It was a 215 mile round trip and my call time was 7.30am. The wrap time was 5 pm.
My agent was Carl Adams of Anglian Agency, based near Yarmouth, and this day was my first of only 4 dates for that agent.
Since this day in 1985, I have now worked for 27 Agents plus direct work from the BBC and YTV companies, a total of 635 days either on location or in the studio.
" Marjorie and Men " was a 30 minute comedy series of six, 30 minute episodes starring Patricia Routledge and Patricia Hayes as mother and daughter with 6 different male guest stars as the "men " in each episode.
I was in episode 4, " Taking the Waters " which co-starred Mark Kingston as Mr. Beresford.
It was a 215 mile round trip and my call time was 7.30am. The wrap time was 5 pm.
My agent was Carl Adams of Anglian Agency, based near Yarmouth, and this day was my first of only 4 dates for that agent.
Since this day in 1985, I have now worked for 27 Agents plus direct work from the BBC and YTV companies, a total of 635 days either on location or in the studio.
Tuesday 1 April 2014
" HOLBY CITY " 2003
On 1st April 2003, I was at the BBC TV studios in Borehamwood to be in my 6th episode of
" Holby City ", a British medical drama TV series screened weekly on BBC One.
" Holby City" is about life on the wards of Holby City Hospital , following the highs and lows of the staff and patients.
" Holby City" was first screened on 12th January 1999, my first episode had been recorded on 2nd February 1999 and my most recent episode was filmed on 4th April 2003, which was my second day on the episode that I attended on this day in 2003.
It has now been 11 years since I was last at those studios when I was playing the part of a hospital patient on one of the wards. The Director asked the actress playing one of the nurses to re-act to some action as she passed " the old man in the bed ". At that time I was 61 years old and was not happy with his comment.
I have never been back to Borehamwood since that date.
" Holby City ", a British medical drama TV series screened weekly on BBC One.
" Holby City" is about life on the wards of Holby City Hospital , following the highs and lows of the staff and patients.
" Holby City" was first screened on 12th January 1999, my first episode had been recorded on 2nd February 1999 and my most recent episode was filmed on 4th April 2003, which was my second day on the episode that I attended on this day in 2003.
It has now been 11 years since I was last at those studios when I was playing the part of a hospital patient on one of the wards. The Director asked the actress playing one of the nurses to re-act to some action as she passed " the old man in the bed ". At that time I was 61 years old and was not happy with his comment.
I have never been back to Borehamwood since that date.
Monday 31 March 2014
" DANGERFIELD " 1997
On 31st March 1997, I was in Warwick to be in my 6th episode of " Dangerfield " starring Nigel Le Vaillant in a series about the life and times of a small town family practitioner and police surgeon.
There were 6 seasons of 50 minute episodes from 1995 until 1999. The series also included Nigel Havers and Jane Gurnett.
My first episode had been filmed on 4th May 1994 and my 9th and final episode was filmed on 25th June 1998.
My most prominent appearance was in an episode with Nigel Havers, where he was playing the part of a Member of Parliament and I was one of his security men.
There were 6 seasons of 50 minute episodes from 1995 until 1999. The series also included Nigel Havers and Jane Gurnett.
My first episode had been filmed on 4th May 1994 and my 9th and final episode was filmed on 25th June 1998.
My most prominent appearance was in an episode with Nigel Havers, where he was playing the part of a Member of Parliament and I was one of his security men.
Friday 28 March 2014
" EMMERDALE " Over 14 years, this is Emmerdale week
On Wednesday 26th March, I was in the YTV studios in Leeds for my 98th day in an episode of
" Emmerdale ".
Since my first episode on " Emmerdale " on 14th June 1993, I have been involved in the filming of scenes 7 times on this particular week of the year.
26th March 2012, 26th March 2014, 27th March 2009, 28th March 2000, 29th March 2001 and 30th March 2009.
Over those 21 years, I have always travelled via the A14 to the M1 and up to Leeds, a return journey of 276 miles. After my visit last week, on 20th March, I mentioned to some friends who live near Sheffield that I would be driving up to Leeds again on Wednesday 26th March for a continuity scene from the previous week.
My friends suggested that I drove via the A43 to the A1 and up to Pontefract then across the M62 to Leeds.
I had left home at 4.15 am and arrived at the studios at 6.50 am. - a much shorter journey in time due partly to the journey being 10 miles less and the previous weeks journey being hampered by 50 miles of road subject to 50 mph variable speed restrictions.
I will be driving via the A43 and A1 route every time from now on.
" Emmerdale ".
Since my first episode on " Emmerdale " on 14th June 1993, I have been involved in the filming of scenes 7 times on this particular week of the year.
26th March 2012, 26th March 2014, 27th March 2009, 28th March 2000, 29th March 2001 and 30th March 2009.
Over those 21 years, I have always travelled via the A14 to the M1 and up to Leeds, a return journey of 276 miles. After my visit last week, on 20th March, I mentioned to some friends who live near Sheffield that I would be driving up to Leeds again on Wednesday 26th March for a continuity scene from the previous week.
My friends suggested that I drove via the A43 to the A1 and up to Pontefract then across the M62 to Leeds.
I had left home at 4.15 am and arrived at the studios at 6.50 am. - a much shorter journey in time due partly to the journey being 10 miles less and the previous weeks journey being hampered by 50 miles of road subject to 50 mph variable speed restrictions.
I will be driving via the A43 and A1 route every time from now on.
Tuesday 25 March 2014
" THE BILL " 1993
On 25th March 1993 I was on an industrial estate in Merton, South London, in the studio for " The Bill ", to be in my 6th episode of that series.
"The Bill " ran from 1984 to 2010 and was about uniform officers and detectives from an inner city London Police Station, Sun Hill, as they enforce the Law & Order on a day to day basis.
My first episode had been filmed on 16th July 1991 and my tenth and final episode was recorded on 7th December 1996.
"The Bill " ran from 1984 to 2010 and was about uniform officers and detectives from an inner city London Police Station, Sun Hill, as they enforce the Law & Order on a day to day basis.
My first episode had been filmed on 16th July 1991 and my tenth and final episode was recorded on 7th December 1996.
Saturday 22 March 2014
" KINSEY " 1992
On 22nd March 1992, I was on location in Corporation Street, Birmingham for an episode of " Kinsey ".
This was my second day on this series, my first had been on 17th October 1990, when I was also on location in Corporation Street, opposite the Courts of Justice.
This second day we were filming in a Public House, and I asked Leigh Lawson if he was pleased to be filming a second series, two years after the first one. He asked me what I did in my previous episode and I told him that I was only playing a "passer by " as he walked into the Law Courts.
This second day in 1992 involved him walking into the Public House and someone planting some drugs in his pocket. The Director was not happy with the action and suggested that Kinsey should recognise someone in the bar to suggest to the television viewer that regulars recognised him as a regular also.
This was after we had spoken earlier and he had asked me what my name was. Leigh suggested to the Director that, as he entered the pub he looked at me and said " Hi Bob " and I responded with " Hello Kinsey ". The director agreed and told me to remember to call him Kinsey and not Leigh.
I was made up to 'Walk on 2' ,which was a higher fee, and I thanked Leigh for recommending me for that involvement.
This was my second day on this series, my first had been on 17th October 1990, when I was also on location in Corporation Street, opposite the Courts of Justice.
This second day we were filming in a Public House, and I asked Leigh Lawson if he was pleased to be filming a second series, two years after the first one. He asked me what I did in my previous episode and I told him that I was only playing a "passer by " as he walked into the Law Courts.
This second day in 1992 involved him walking into the Public House and someone planting some drugs in his pocket. The Director was not happy with the action and suggested that Kinsey should recognise someone in the bar to suggest to the television viewer that regulars recognised him as a regular also.
This was after we had spoken earlier and he had asked me what my name was. Leigh suggested to the Director that, as he entered the pub he looked at me and said " Hi Bob " and I responded with " Hello Kinsey ". The director agreed and told me to remember to call him Kinsey and not Leigh.
I was made up to 'Walk on 2' ,which was a higher fee, and I thanked Leigh for recommending me for that involvement.
Friday 21 March 2014
" A LANDING ON THE SUN " 1994 - " CIVVIES " 1992 - plus 3 other shows
The date 20th March has been one of the busiest over the past 20 years. Yesterday I was in Leeds once more to be in another couple of episodes of " Emmerdale ", but on this same date in 1994, I was in the Foreign Office in Westminster ( it was a Sunday ) playing the role of a Civil Servant in a Screen 2 Television play " A Landing on the Sun ". We were issued special passes to enable to be inside the building - an unusual feeling being in the corridors of power.
The story was about a civil servant, called Jessell, in the Cabinet Office, is asked to investigate the mysterious death of the civil servant Steven Summerchild 20 years earlier. Summerchild was working on a Cabinet project under the Oxford philosophy don Elizabeth Serafin, to find the 'quality of life' in Britain.
Jessel finds a box of audio tapes from the project containing all the discussions up to the time Summerchild fell off the Admiralty building.
It starred Robert Glenister, Susan Fleetwood and Roger Allam and was screened on 8th June 1994.
6 years previously on this same date, I had been in Nottingham to be in episode 5 of Series 1 of " Tales of Sherwood Forest ".
The episode was called " Stag Night " and the scene that I was in was at a Dinner where a new member was being brought into a Fraternal group.
The story revolved around Eric, the owner of a nightclub in Nottingham, who is obsessed by the film "Casablanca" and dreams of being Rick Blaine.
It starred Pete Postlethwaite as Eric, and David Troughton and Robin Soans. I was to meet Pete Postlethwaite at a later date when I was in a series called " The Sins " plus I had also been in a scene with him in the splendid film " Brassed Off ".
Also 4 years later in 1992, I was in the Ely district of Cardiff to be in a TV series called " Civvies ".
" Civvies " was about a group of former soldiers in Britain's elite Parachute Regiment who struggle to come to terms with civilian life after leaving the army. It starred Jason Isaacs, Lennie James, Peter O'Toole and Peter Howitt ( from 'Bread').
The scene that I was in was about a supermarket being blown up and I was playing the role of the Fire Chief and Peter Howitt was one of the firemen. The film was shot in the early hours of the morning in a district of Cardiff called Ely.
Again on this same date in 1995, I was in Redditch to be in my first episode of " Dangerfield " starring Nigel le Vaillant. Between 20th March 1995 and 5th August 1999 I appeared in 11 episodes of " Dangerfield ".
Yesterday I was on location in the 'village' for my 96th episode of " Emmerdale ".
I had left home at 4.20 am and arrived at the studio at 7.10.am, we were wrapped at 4.20 pm. and my journey home was hampered by the great volume of traffic and many miles of reduced speed restrictions on the M1 motorway, high winds and heavy rain. I eventually arrived back home at 8.10pm.- a 16 hour day.
The story was about a civil servant, called Jessell, in the Cabinet Office, is asked to investigate the mysterious death of the civil servant Steven Summerchild 20 years earlier. Summerchild was working on a Cabinet project under the Oxford philosophy don Elizabeth Serafin, to find the 'quality of life' in Britain.
Jessel finds a box of audio tapes from the project containing all the discussions up to the time Summerchild fell off the Admiralty building.
It starred Robert Glenister, Susan Fleetwood and Roger Allam and was screened on 8th June 1994.
6 years previously on this same date, I had been in Nottingham to be in episode 5 of Series 1 of " Tales of Sherwood Forest ".
The episode was called " Stag Night " and the scene that I was in was at a Dinner where a new member was being brought into a Fraternal group.
The story revolved around Eric, the owner of a nightclub in Nottingham, who is obsessed by the film "Casablanca" and dreams of being Rick Blaine.
It starred Pete Postlethwaite as Eric, and David Troughton and Robin Soans. I was to meet Pete Postlethwaite at a later date when I was in a series called " The Sins " plus I had also been in a scene with him in the splendid film " Brassed Off ".
Also 4 years later in 1992, I was in the Ely district of Cardiff to be in a TV series called " Civvies ".
" Civvies " was about a group of former soldiers in Britain's elite Parachute Regiment who struggle to come to terms with civilian life after leaving the army. It starred Jason Isaacs, Lennie James, Peter O'Toole and Peter Howitt ( from 'Bread').
The scene that I was in was about a supermarket being blown up and I was playing the role of the Fire Chief and Peter Howitt was one of the firemen. The film was shot in the early hours of the morning in a district of Cardiff called Ely.
Again on this same date in 1995, I was in Redditch to be in my first episode of " Dangerfield " starring Nigel le Vaillant. Between 20th March 1995 and 5th August 1999 I appeared in 11 episodes of " Dangerfield ".
Yesterday I was on location in the 'village' for my 96th episode of " Emmerdale ".
I had left home at 4.20 am and arrived at the studio at 7.10.am, we were wrapped at 4.20 pm. and my journey home was hampered by the great volume of traffic and many miles of reduced speed restrictions on the M1 motorway, high winds and heavy rain. I eventually arrived back home at 8.10pm.- a 16 hour day.
Wednesday 19 March 2014
" ANNIE'S BAR " 1996 - " IN THE RED " 1998
On 19th March 1996, I was at the studios in Teddington for my second day running on an episode of
" Annie's Bar " , the politically based up-to date drama about a newly elected Conservative Member of Parliament. My first day on an episode of this series, I was playing the part of a front bench Member of Parliament and this particular episode included the actual Member of Parliament for Grimsby, Austin Mitchell, who thought that those of us playing Members of Parliament were looking like the genuine article.
Two years later in 1998, I was in Oxford to be in an episode of " In the Red", a BBC Two series of 60 minute episodes starring Rachel Fielding, Siobhan Redmond, Sally Phillips and Rebecca Front.
" In the Red " was about a series of killings of bank managers that has London in turmoil, all the way up to Parliament. The killer regularly calls about his handywork, but only to a street-wise and usually rather tipsy, radio reporter,about to be sacked for his habitual irreverence toward his station and the BBC.
While everything seems to point to a lead singer of a rock group famous for the " In the Red " music which has been connected to the killings, in a typical British mystery fashion, there are also other sub-plots to be considered.
" Annie's Bar " , the politically based up-to date drama about a newly elected Conservative Member of Parliament. My first day on an episode of this series, I was playing the part of a front bench Member of Parliament and this particular episode included the actual Member of Parliament for Grimsby, Austin Mitchell, who thought that those of us playing Members of Parliament were looking like the genuine article.
Two years later in 1998, I was in Oxford to be in an episode of " In the Red", a BBC Two series of 60 minute episodes starring Rachel Fielding, Siobhan Redmond, Sally Phillips and Rebecca Front.
" In the Red " was about a series of killings of bank managers that has London in turmoil, all the way up to Parliament. The killer regularly calls about his handywork, but only to a street-wise and usually rather tipsy, radio reporter,about to be sacked for his habitual irreverence toward his station and the BBC.
While everything seems to point to a lead singer of a rock group famous for the " In the Red " music which has been connected to the killings, in a typical British mystery fashion, there are also other sub-plots to be considered.
Tuesday 18 March 2014
" ANNIE'S BAR " 1996 - " EMMERDALE " 2002
On 18th March 1996, I was at the Television studios in Teddington for my first day of two in an episode of
" Annie's Bar " , a TV drama series of ten, 30 minute, episodes about the misadventures of a newly elected Conservative Member of Parliament at Westminster.
The series starred Dominic West and Larry Lamb and was screened later on that same evening, in order to include the actual events that occured in the House of Commons on that same day.
I was in 7 episodes out of the 10, mostly filmed at Teddington, but also near Reading in a former hospital where the corridors looked very similar to Westminster.
At the time of filming in 1996 I had been a Borough Councillor from 1991 to 1995 at Kettering Borough Council but had never been to visit Westminster.
I became a Borough Councillor again in 1999 and became the Mayor in 2001 when I did get invited to the House of Commons and spent a very enjoyable day in those magnificent buildings.
On the same date in 2002, I was in Leeds for my 38th day in an episode of " Emmerdale ".
My first day on "Emmerdale " was on 14th June 1993, and later this week, I will be on location in Leeds for my 97th day on that series.
" Annie's Bar " , a TV drama series of ten, 30 minute, episodes about the misadventures of a newly elected Conservative Member of Parliament at Westminster.
The series starred Dominic West and Larry Lamb and was screened later on that same evening, in order to include the actual events that occured in the House of Commons on that same day.
I was in 7 episodes out of the 10, mostly filmed at Teddington, but also near Reading in a former hospital where the corridors looked very similar to Westminster.
At the time of filming in 1996 I had been a Borough Councillor from 1991 to 1995 at Kettering Borough Council but had never been to visit Westminster.
I became a Borough Councillor again in 1999 and became the Mayor in 2001 when I did get invited to the House of Commons and spent a very enjoyable day in those magnificent buildings.
On the same date in 2002, I was in Leeds for my 38th day in an episode of " Emmerdale ".
My first day on "Emmerdale " was on 14th June 1993, and later this week, I will be on location in Leeds for my 97th day on that series.
Sunday 16 March 2014
" LOVEJOY " 1990
On 16th March 1990, I was in Much Hadham, near Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire, to be in my first episode of " Lovejoy ", a TV series about a loveable rogue antiques dealer.
" Lovejoy " starred Ian McShane in the lead role with Dudley Sutton as Tinker Dill, Chris Jury as Eric and Phyllis Logan as Lady Jane.
Ian Mcshane has gone on to be a big film star in the United States,Phyllis Logan is in "Downton Abbey", Chris Jury has become TV Director ( I was in an episode of " Eastenders " that he was directing) and Dudley Sutton has recently come into current episodes of " Emmerdale " ( I hope to be able to see him when I am due to be in my next episode of " Emmerdale " later this week.)
" Lovejoy " ran from 1986 to 1994 and this day had been my first episode in 1990, I was in 5 more episodes with my last one being filmed on 26th April 1993.
" Lovejoy " starred Ian McShane in the lead role with Dudley Sutton as Tinker Dill, Chris Jury as Eric and Phyllis Logan as Lady Jane.
Ian Mcshane has gone on to be a big film star in the United States,Phyllis Logan is in "Downton Abbey", Chris Jury has become TV Director ( I was in an episode of " Eastenders " that he was directing) and Dudley Sutton has recently come into current episodes of " Emmerdale " ( I hope to be able to see him when I am due to be in my next episode of " Emmerdale " later this week.)
" Lovejoy " ran from 1986 to 1994 and this day had been my first episode in 1990, I was in 5 more episodes with my last one being filmed on 26th April 1993.
Thursday 13 March 2014
" PEAK PRACTICE " 1995
On 13th March 1995 I was in the car park of the Tram Museum in Crich, which was being used as a unit base for an episode of " Peak Practice ".
Crich Tram museum is based near to a monument which signifies the southern end of the Pennine Chain, commonly known as the backbone of England and taking it's name from the Appenine Mountains which run down the centre of Italy.
This day was my 13th episode on " Peak Practice ", my first episode had been filmed in Derby on 3rd November 1993 and my 25th and final episode was filmed at studios in Codner in the Amber Valley district of Derbyshire on 5th February 2001.
Crich Tram museum is based near to a monument which signifies the southern end of the Pennine Chain, commonly known as the backbone of England and taking it's name from the Appenine Mountains which run down the centre of Italy.
This day was my 13th episode on " Peak Practice ", my first episode had been filmed in Derby on 3rd November 1993 and my 25th and final episode was filmed at studios in Codner in the Amber Valley district of Derbyshire on 5th February 2001.
Wednesday 12 March 2014
" EMMERDALE " 2001 & 2002
On 12th March 2001 I was again in Leeds for my 34th episode of " Emmerdale " and by the same date in 2002 I was again at the Yorkshire TV studios for my 38th episode.
In 2001 I was in 4 episodes and also in 2002 a further 4 episodes.
It was during these 2 years that I had become the Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Kettering and the following year The Mayor.
During my Mayoral year, when I was in Leeds for one of those episodes of " Emmerdale " that I noticed that Christopher Chittel, who plays Eric Pollard, and at that time his character was the Mayor of Hotton, was wearing a tri-corn hat as part of his Mayoral robes.
I asked him why he was not wearing a two pointed hat , because a tri-corn hat is only worn by a Lady Mayor ( A Lady Mayor is not referred to as Lady Mayoress , but Mr. Mayor or Madame Mayor).
He asked me how I knew this to be correct and I told him that I was the Mayor of Kettering.
Christopher immediately went to the costume department and mentioned this fact to them. I never saw him wearing that tri-corn hat again, nor any alternative ceremonial hat while his character continued to be the Mayor of Hotton in his year of office.
In 2001 I was in 4 episodes and also in 2002 a further 4 episodes.
It was during these 2 years that I had become the Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Kettering and the following year The Mayor.
During my Mayoral year, when I was in Leeds for one of those episodes of " Emmerdale " that I noticed that Christopher Chittel, who plays Eric Pollard, and at that time his character was the Mayor of Hotton, was wearing a tri-corn hat as part of his Mayoral robes.
I asked him why he was not wearing a two pointed hat , because a tri-corn hat is only worn by a Lady Mayor ( A Lady Mayor is not referred to as Lady Mayoress , but Mr. Mayor or Madame Mayor).
He asked me how I knew this to be correct and I told him that I was the Mayor of Kettering.
Christopher immediately went to the costume department and mentioned this fact to them. I never saw him wearing that tri-corn hat again, nor any alternative ceremonial hat while his character continued to be the Mayor of Hotton in his year of office.
Monday 10 March 2014
" PEAK PRACTICE " 1998
On 10th March 1998, I was in South Wingfield, Derbyshire, to be in my 14 episode of " Peak Practice ".
" Peak Practice " was a British drama series about a General Practice surgery in Cardale - a small fictional town in the Derbyshire Peak District - and the Doctors who worked there.
The first episode was screened in 1993 and the final episode was screened on 30th January 2002.
My first episode had been recorded on 19th November 1992 in Matlock, and my final scene was filmed on 26th July 2001 at Codnor.
Between 1992 and 2001 I appeared in 26 episodes of " Peak Practice" during which time the main characters had been played by Amanda Burton, Kevin Whately, Simon Shepherd, Hadyn Gwynn and Sarah Parish.
" Peak Practice " was a British drama series about a General Practice surgery in Cardale - a small fictional town in the Derbyshire Peak District - and the Doctors who worked there.
The first episode was screened in 1993 and the final episode was screened on 30th January 2002.
My first episode had been recorded on 19th November 1992 in Matlock, and my final scene was filmed on 26th July 2001 at Codnor.
Between 1992 and 2001 I appeared in 26 episodes of " Peak Practice" during which time the main characters had been played by Amanda Burton, Kevin Whately, Simon Shepherd, Hadyn Gwynn and Sarah Parish.
Saturday 8 March 2014
" EMMERDALE " 1999 & 2006
On 8th March 1999, I was in Leeds to be at my 18th day to the " Emmerdale " studios.
By this time 7 years later, on this same date, I was in the same studios for my 65th day on " Emmerdale ".
I have written quite a few blogs about my visits to Leeds to be in an episode of this extremely popular series and, other than repeating myself, I can honestly say that I always look froward to my days at those studios, or in the village, because of the warm and friendly atmosphere that exists between the crew, the cast and us Supporting Artistes.
By this time 7 years later, on this same date, I was in the same studios for my 65th day on " Emmerdale ".
I have written quite a few blogs about my visits to Leeds to be in an episode of this extremely popular series and, other than repeating myself, I can honestly say that I always look froward to my days at those studios, or in the village, because of the warm and friendly atmosphere that exists between the crew, the cast and us Supporting Artistes.
Friday 7 March 2014
" BOON " 1988 - " DALZIEL & PASCOE " 2000
On 7th March 1988, I was in Birmingham, to be in my 4th episode of " Boon " starring Michael Elphick, Neil Morrissey and David Daker.
Between 8th January 1986 and 25th August 1992, I appeared in 13 episodes of "Boon " originally filmed in Birmingham and latterly in Nottingham.
On this same date in 2000, I was in Alvechurch, Near Redditch, Worcestershire, to be in my 12th episode of " Dalziel & Pascoe" starring Warren Clarke and Colin Buchannan. This day was already the third in this year having been in 3 episodes filmed in January, February and now March.
I was eventually to be in 4 more episodes and between my first one on 29th August 1995 and my final one on 8th July 2004, I appeared in 16 episodes of " Dalziel & Pascoe".
Between 8th January 1986 and 25th August 1992, I appeared in 13 episodes of "Boon " originally filmed in Birmingham and latterly in Nottingham.
On this same date in 2000, I was in Alvechurch, Near Redditch, Worcestershire, to be in my 12th episode of " Dalziel & Pascoe" starring Warren Clarke and Colin Buchannan. This day was already the third in this year having been in 3 episodes filmed in January, February and now March.
I was eventually to be in 4 more episodes and between my first one on 29th August 1995 and my final one on 8th July 2004, I appeared in 16 episodes of " Dalziel & Pascoe".
Wednesday 5 March 2014
" ANNIE'S BAR " 1996 - " HEARTBEAT " 1995 - " EMMERDALE " 2005
On 5th March 1996, I was on my 3rd day of 6 on "Annie's Bar " , a 30 minute TV drama series about the misadventures of a newly elected Conservative Member of Parliament at Westminster.
It starred Dominic Taylor as David Dashwood and Larry Lamb with real Members of Parliament including Edwina Currie. It was produced by Ardent Productions which HRH Prince Edward was involved with and Channel Four Productions. The episodes were screened on the same day that we filmed them, so that events that were actually occuring at Westminster on that day were referred to within the episode on that same evening.
My first day had been at Teddington Studios on 26th January, my second day on 27th February, the third day was on location in Henley and my final three days were filmed on 5th March, 18th March and 19th March, all a Teddington.
One year earlier, I had arrived in Leeds to be in my first ever episode of " Heartbeat "and from 5th March 1995 to 19th October 1999, I was in 8 episodes filmed in Otley, Ripon and Farsley - none on the North York Moors or in Whitby or Goathland where the fictional Aidensfield was filmed.
The last time that I worked on 5th March was in 2005, when I again arrived at the "Emmerdale " studios in Leeds for my 56th day of involvement, my most recent having been last month.
It starred Dominic Taylor as David Dashwood and Larry Lamb with real Members of Parliament including Edwina Currie. It was produced by Ardent Productions which HRH Prince Edward was involved with and Channel Four Productions. The episodes were screened on the same day that we filmed them, so that events that were actually occuring at Westminster on that day were referred to within the episode on that same evening.
My first day had been at Teddington Studios on 26th January, my second day on 27th February, the third day was on location in Henley and my final three days were filmed on 5th March, 18th March and 19th March, all a Teddington.
One year earlier, I had arrived in Leeds to be in my first ever episode of " Heartbeat "and from 5th March 1995 to 19th October 1999, I was in 8 episodes filmed in Otley, Ripon and Farsley - none on the North York Moors or in Whitby or Goathland where the fictional Aidensfield was filmed.
The last time that I worked on 5th March was in 2005, when I again arrived at the "Emmerdale " studios in Leeds for my 56th day of involvement, my most recent having been last month.
Monday 3 March 2014
" HEARTBEAT " 1996
On 3rd March 1996, I was in Leeds to be in my third episode of " Heartbeat ".
Between 5th March 1995 and 19th October 1999, I was in 9 episodes, at least one episode every year in that 5 year term. My early scenes were filmed in a disused hospital in Otley, others were filmed in a studio in Farsley and when I played the part of a Magistrate it was filmed in an old courthouse next to Ripon Cathedral.
" Heartbeat " was a British Police drama series set in 1960's North Riding of Yorkshire and broadcast on ITV in 18 series between 1992 and 2010. Made by ITV at their Leeds studios and on locations near Whitby on the North York Moors. The fictional village of Aidensfield was filmed in Goathland.
The series originally starred Nick Berry in the lead role and later by Jason Durr. It also starred Derek Fowldes and Bill Maynard ( who had originally given me the contacts to enable me to be in the series).
Later in the series Geoffrey Hughes too over the comedy rogue part and later still introduced Gwen Taylor into "Heartbeat ", after Bill and Geoffrey had left the series.
Between 5th March 1995 and 19th October 1999, I was in 9 episodes, at least one episode every year in that 5 year term. My early scenes were filmed in a disused hospital in Otley, others were filmed in a studio in Farsley and when I played the part of a Magistrate it was filmed in an old courthouse next to Ripon Cathedral.
" Heartbeat " was a British Police drama series set in 1960's North Riding of Yorkshire and broadcast on ITV in 18 series between 1992 and 2010. Made by ITV at their Leeds studios and on locations near Whitby on the North York Moors. The fictional village of Aidensfield was filmed in Goathland.
The series originally starred Nick Berry in the lead role and later by Jason Durr. It also starred Derek Fowldes and Bill Maynard ( who had originally given me the contacts to enable me to be in the series).
Later in the series Geoffrey Hughes too over the comedy rogue part and later still introduced Gwen Taylor into "Heartbeat ", after Bill and Geoffrey had left the series.
Saturday 1 March 2014
" EMMERDALE " - 2004
On 1st March 2004, I was at Yorkshire TV studios in Leeds for my 49th day filming on " Emmerdale".
since this date, ten years ago, I have visited the studios another 43 days, my most recent being last Thursday 20th February, almost doubling my visits over the past ten years.
Each time I make the 270 mile round trip to Leeds, the distance always seems to reduce, probably due to the familiarity of the surroundings. I remember the first ever day I was in Leeds for " Stay Lucky, " with Denis Waterman and Tony Peers on 7th July 1991, before my first visit for " Emmerdale ", the journey seemed to go on for ever.
These days I look forward to the journey because myself and all other Supporting Artistes are always made so welcome.
since this date, ten years ago, I have visited the studios another 43 days, my most recent being last Thursday 20th February, almost doubling my visits over the past ten years.
Each time I make the 270 mile round trip to Leeds, the distance always seems to reduce, probably due to the familiarity of the surroundings. I remember the first ever day I was in Leeds for " Stay Lucky, " with Denis Waterman and Tony Peers on 7th July 1991, before my first visit for " Emmerdale ", the journey seemed to go on for ever.
These days I look forward to the journey because myself and all other Supporting Artistes are always made so welcome.
Friday 28 February 2014
APOLOGIES TO " FIFTEEN TO ONE "
Following my earlier blog this morning regarding my day on a " FIFTEEN TO ONE " run through.
I have been reliably informed that my comment that " FIFTEEN TO ONE " is no longer screened is not correct.
I apologise for giving wrong information and, having looked at a web site, have learned that on 9th December 2013 it was announced that " FIFTEEN TO ONE " would return for a new 20 part daytime series in 2014 hosted by Sandi Toksvig and four primetime celebrity specials which will be hosted by Adam Hills.
I also understand that a special one-off episode was aired on channel 4, hosted by Alan Hills on 20th September 2013 entitled " Celebrity Fifteen To One ".
Originally " FIFTEEN TO ONE " commenced on 4th January 1988 and ran to 19th December 2003.
I have been reliably informed that my comment that " FIFTEEN TO ONE " is no longer screened is not correct.
I apologise for giving wrong information and, having looked at a web site, have learned that on 9th December 2013 it was announced that " FIFTEEN TO ONE " would return for a new 20 part daytime series in 2014 hosted by Sandi Toksvig and four primetime celebrity specials which will be hosted by Adam Hills.
I also understand that a special one-off episode was aired on channel 4, hosted by Alan Hills on 20th September 2013 entitled " Celebrity Fifteen To One ".
Originally " FIFTEEN TO ONE " commenced on 4th January 1988 and ran to 19th December 2003.
" FIFTEEN TO ONE " 1994
On 28th February 1994, I arrived at the Star Studios in Wandsworth, South London, to be in a run through for sound and lighting for the TV quiz show " Fifteen to One " with William Stewart, who was the producer for " Top of the Pops ".
There were 6 of us who had been selected to play two games each, on my first game I reached the final and won it.
As this was only run through, with us Supporting Artistes, William Stewart asked me if I would like to compete in the actual show, I said that I would prefer not because, being a run through, there was no pressure on any of us which there would be if the show was being filmed for real.
At some later stage, a few years later, I did attend an audition for the show and was interviewed by Philip Lowrie, who plays Dennis Tanner in " Coronation Street". Dennis was at that time the male voice-over for
" Fifteen to One".
I was not successful on getting on to the programme which is no longer being screened.
There were 6 of us who had been selected to play two games each, on my first game I reached the final and won it.
As this was only run through, with us Supporting Artistes, William Stewart asked me if I would like to compete in the actual show, I said that I would prefer not because, being a run through, there was no pressure on any of us which there would be if the show was being filmed for real.
At some later stage, a few years later, I did attend an audition for the show and was interviewed by Philip Lowrie, who plays Dennis Tanner in " Coronation Street". Dennis was at that time the male voice-over for
" Fifteen to One".
I was not successful on getting on to the programme which is no longer being screened.
Wednesday 26 February 2014
" CHANCER " 1990 - " EMMERDALE " 2003
On 26th February 1991, I was in Birmingham to be in an episode of " Chancer " starring Clive Owen.
" Chancer " was a TV series broadcast between 1990- 1991 about a business adviser who uses all means necessary to help his friends out of financial ruins. However, he has a moral code. Also, his unresolved family past won't leave him alone.
The series starred Clive Owen, Simon Shepherd, Leslie Phillips and also over that two year period Louis Lombard, Sean Pertwee, Steven Tompkinson and Peter Vaughan appeared in some episodes..
The scene that I was in was filmed inside a bus where I was playing the part of a passenger. Clive Owen and Sean Pertwee were on the bus and a thug, played by Peter Guinness came onto to bus to start a fight with both of them.
12 years later, on this same date in 2003, I was in Leeds for yet another episode of " Emmerdale", my 41st day on that enjoyable series.
" Chancer " was a TV series broadcast between 1990- 1991 about a business adviser who uses all means necessary to help his friends out of financial ruins. However, he has a moral code. Also, his unresolved family past won't leave him alone.
The series starred Clive Owen, Simon Shepherd, Leslie Phillips and also over that two year period Louis Lombard, Sean Pertwee, Steven Tompkinson and Peter Vaughan appeared in some episodes..
The scene that I was in was filmed inside a bus where I was playing the part of a passenger. Clive Owen and Sean Pertwee were on the bus and a thug, played by Peter Guinness came onto to bus to start a fight with both of them.
12 years later, on this same date in 2003, I was in Leeds for yet another episode of " Emmerdale", my 41st day on that enjoyable series.
Tuesday 25 February 2014
" EMMERDALE " 1998 - " CASUALTY " 2003
On 25th February 1998, I was in Leeds for my 10th day on " Emmerdale ". This turned out to be the first visit of four to the "Emmerdale studios that year, April, May, August and September being the other months that I travelled to Leeds to be in this popular programme.
On this same date in 2003 I was at the " Casualty " studios in Bristol for my 56th episode of "Casualty ".
It was episode 39 of that series and since that date I have only been in " Casualty " once more, when
my last visit to those studios was on 23rd September 2004, which will be 14 years since I last appeared in that series.
On this same date in 2003 I was at the " Casualty " studios in Bristol for my 56th episode of "Casualty ".
It was episode 39 of that series and since that date I have only been in " Casualty " once more, when
my last visit to those studios was on 23rd September 2004, which will be 14 years since I last appeared in that series.
Monday 24 February 2014
" CHRISTABEL " WITH ELIZABETH HURLEY 1998
On 24th February 1998 I arrived back at the Nene Valley Railway site behind the Sugar Beet factory in Peterborough for my second day of playing a German soldier in the TV adaptation of " Christabel " starring
Elizabeth Hurley .
This second day involved us travelling backwards and forwards along the length of the Nene Valley while he scenes were being shot form within the train. The Nene Valley Railway has been used many times for filming shots of James Bond films and was used on this occasion because the river Nene at this point is very similar to the Rhine in Germany.
I forgot to mention that on the first day, which was a night shoot, where we filmed the scene depicting us sitting outside of a Berlin station being bombed, we had spent some time learning a German traditional song
" In der Heimat ist sur shoen" which means in our homeland it is beautiful. I can still sing that song today, a very emotional song which one of us began singing and eventually the whole trainload of us had joined in.
" Christabel " must have been one of Elizabeth Hurley's first major roles as the year was 1998.
On the same date in 2000, I arrived at the Central studios in Codner, in the Amber Valley, Derbyshire, to be in another episode of "Peak Practice ".
My first episode had been in Matlock on 19th November 1992, and in the ten years between 1992 and 2002, I appeared in 26 episodes, my final one being on 20th July 2002.
Elizabeth Hurley .
This second day involved us travelling backwards and forwards along the length of the Nene Valley while he scenes were being shot form within the train. The Nene Valley Railway has been used many times for filming shots of James Bond films and was used on this occasion because the river Nene at this point is very similar to the Rhine in Germany.
I forgot to mention that on the first day, which was a night shoot, where we filmed the scene depicting us sitting outside of a Berlin station being bombed, we had spent some time learning a German traditional song
" In der Heimat ist sur shoen" which means in our homeland it is beautiful. I can still sing that song today, a very emotional song which one of us began singing and eventually the whole trainload of us had joined in.
" Christabel " must have been one of Elizabeth Hurley's first major roles as the year was 1998.
On the same date in 2000, I arrived at the Central studios in Codner, in the Amber Valley, Derbyshire, to be in another episode of "Peak Practice ".
My first episode had been in Matlock on 19th November 1992, and in the ten years between 1992 and 2002, I appeared in 26 episodes, my final one being on 20th July 2002.
Saturday 22 February 2014
" SPECIALS " 1991
On 22nd February 1991, I was at the Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham to be in an episode of " Specials ", a BBC Drama series about ordinary civilians who work as Special Police Constables in their spare time.
There were 12 50 minute episodes shot on video-tape at Pebble Mill, Birmingham and using locations around West Bromwich and Birmingham.
The series starred Ron Donachie, Cindy O'Callaghan and Kim Vithana.
The scenes that I appeared in were shot at Pebble Mill Studios.
There were 12 50 minute episodes shot on video-tape at Pebble Mill, Birmingham and using locations around West Bromwich and Birmingham.
The series starred Ron Donachie, Cindy O'Callaghan and Kim Vithana.
The scenes that I appeared in were shot at Pebble Mill Studios.
Thursday 20 February 2014
" CHRISTABEL " 1988 - " OTHELLO " 2001
I am very late with today's blog due to being in Leeds today for another day in the village , filming Emmerdale.
Left home at 5am and arrived at the studio at 7.15am, returned back home, after a seriously delayed journey due to heavy traffic on the M1 , leaving Leeds at 3.30pm and not getting home until 6.45pm. even with it being Motorway for 99% of the journey.
Cannot say what we were doing today because it will be another 6 weeks before this story line is screened.
Previously on 20th February 1988, i had arrived at the old sugar beet factory in Peterborough to be in a scene for a Television programme called " Christabel " starring Elizabeth Hurley.
This was one of Elizabeth Hurley's earlier roles and I was playing the part of a German soldier, sitting in a train outside Berlin while the area was being bombed.
We were actually on a part of the Nene Valley Railway, a preserved steam engine line that has a land scape somewhat similar to the German countryside and the River Nene is very similar to the Rhine.
This was the my first day of two on that programme and the second day was a night shoot, when bomb effects were being exploded at 4 am in the morning, apparently waking unhappy residents in that part of Peterborough just outside the city centre.
On 20th February 2001, I was at the Grosvenor Hotel in London, playing the part of a Toastmaster in an up-dated version of " Othello".
The scene was a banqueting hall filled with High ranking Police officials at a presentation Dinner.
Instead of the character Iago, the character was Jago, Danielle was changed to Dani.
Jago was played by Bill Paterson and he was interested in my Toastmaster's Gavel and gave it a knock on the block. I then demonstrated to him how I use it in real life and the noise that I made resulted in everyone looking up at the top table to see what I had done. I explained that the actor had asked me how to properly use the gavel.
All this happened while the crew were setting up the shot, not while we were actually filming part of the scene.
The main reason the Director had requested a real Toastmaster for the shot was because he wanted to open the scene with a close-up of my Institute of Toastmasters of Great Britain medal which I wear when I am officiating in my non acting capacity as a professional Toastmaster.
I have since been honoured by being made a Fellow of that Institute and am also currently the Junior Vice- President of the London Guild of Toastmasters.
Left home at 5am and arrived at the studio at 7.15am, returned back home, after a seriously delayed journey due to heavy traffic on the M1 , leaving Leeds at 3.30pm and not getting home until 6.45pm. even with it being Motorway for 99% of the journey.
Cannot say what we were doing today because it will be another 6 weeks before this story line is screened.
Previously on 20th February 1988, i had arrived at the old sugar beet factory in Peterborough to be in a scene for a Television programme called " Christabel " starring Elizabeth Hurley.
This was one of Elizabeth Hurley's earlier roles and I was playing the part of a German soldier, sitting in a train outside Berlin while the area was being bombed.
We were actually on a part of the Nene Valley Railway, a preserved steam engine line that has a land scape somewhat similar to the German countryside and the River Nene is very similar to the Rhine.
This was the my first day of two on that programme and the second day was a night shoot, when bomb effects were being exploded at 4 am in the morning, apparently waking unhappy residents in that part of Peterborough just outside the city centre.
On 20th February 2001, I was at the Grosvenor Hotel in London, playing the part of a Toastmaster in an up-dated version of " Othello".
The scene was a banqueting hall filled with High ranking Police officials at a presentation Dinner.
Instead of the character Iago, the character was Jago, Danielle was changed to Dani.
Jago was played by Bill Paterson and he was interested in my Toastmaster's Gavel and gave it a knock on the block. I then demonstrated to him how I use it in real life and the noise that I made resulted in everyone looking up at the top table to see what I had done. I explained that the actor had asked me how to properly use the gavel.
All this happened while the crew were setting up the shot, not while we were actually filming part of the scene.
The main reason the Director had requested a real Toastmaster for the shot was because he wanted to open the scene with a close-up of my Institute of Toastmasters of Great Britain medal which I wear when I am officiating in my non acting capacity as a professional Toastmaster.
I have since been honoured by being made a Fellow of that Institute and am also currently the Junior Vice- President of the London Guild of Toastmasters.
Monday 17 February 2014
" RUTH RENDELL MYSTERIES " 1991
On 17th February 1991, I had arrived in Southampton to be in episode 2 of series 5 of the popular detective series " Ruth Rendell Mysteries " starring George Baker as Detective Chief Inspector Wexford.
Christopher Ravenscroft played Detective Inspector Burden and Dianne Keen his wife Jenny Burden.
Also in that episode, which was filmed in a street in Southampton,was Dorothy Tutin, who had played the part of one of the wives of Henry the Eighth in the earlier television series of " The Wives of Henry the Eighth " starring Keith Michel.
Sharon Maughan, wife of Trevor Eve and famous for being in the long running adverts for " Nescafe " coffee and Denis Lill, from " Outside Edge " and "The Royal " were also principle actors in this episode.
I played the part of a passer-by, crossing the road to avoid Dorothy Tutin's character who was shouting and causing a disturbance.
It has been 23 years since this involvement, but that day in a Southampton street is still a strong image in my memory. It was a great experience to be in the company of some excellent actors at that time, which was only 6 years after I had entered the world of Television as a Supporting Artiste on 13th February 1985 when I was part of an advert for Kodak, filmed at the Eastbrook studios in Nottingham.
Christopher Ravenscroft played Detective Inspector Burden and Dianne Keen his wife Jenny Burden.
Also in that episode, which was filmed in a street in Southampton,was Dorothy Tutin, who had played the part of one of the wives of Henry the Eighth in the earlier television series of " The Wives of Henry the Eighth " starring Keith Michel.
Sharon Maughan, wife of Trevor Eve and famous for being in the long running adverts for " Nescafe " coffee and Denis Lill, from " Outside Edge " and "The Royal " were also principle actors in this episode.
I played the part of a passer-by, crossing the road to avoid Dorothy Tutin's character who was shouting and causing a disturbance.
It has been 23 years since this involvement, but that day in a Southampton street is still a strong image in my memory. It was a great experience to be in the company of some excellent actors at that time, which was only 6 years after I had entered the world of Television as a Supporting Artiste on 13th February 1985 when I was part of an advert for Kodak, filmed at the Eastbrook studios in Nottingham.
Sunday 16 February 2014
" DALZIEL & PASCOE " 2000
On 16th February 2000, I was in Warwick, to be in my episode of " Dalziel & Pascoe, starring Warren Clarke & Colin Buchanan. This was my first day of the year in this series and I was in two more episodes during this year. I was in 4 more episodes over the following 4 years and my final episode was on 8th July in 2004, nearly 10 years ago.My first episode had been on 29th August 1995 filmed in Birmingham, and between then and 2004, I appeared in a total of 16 episodes.
Thursday 13 February 2014
" DALZIEL & PASCOE " 2001 - Day 2
On 13th February, I returned to the National Exhibition Centre, near Birmingham, to continue being filmed in scenes for an episode of " Dalziel & Pascoe, starring Warren Clarke and Colin Buchanan.
As I mentioned my first day in an episode of this series in detail yesterday, all I can add is the fact that the N.E.C. is only an hour away, by car, from my home in Northamptonshire and with the wrap time of my first day being 5.30pm, and my call time for the following day 7.45am, I had arrived home just after 6pm and did not start to travel until 6am on this second day.
The wrap time on this second day was 3pm, which meant that I was home shortly after 4pm. a quite lucrative couple of days for the time spent travelling and at the location.
As I mentioned my first day in an episode of this series in detail yesterday, all I can add is the fact that the N.E.C. is only an hour away, by car, from my home in Northamptonshire and with the wrap time of my first day being 5.30pm, and my call time for the following day 7.45am, I had arrived home just after 6pm and did not start to travel until 6am on this second day.
The wrap time on this second day was 3pm, which meant that I was home shortly after 4pm. a quite lucrative couple of days for the time spent travelling and at the location.
Tuesday 11 February 2014
" DALZIEL & PASCOE " 2001
On 12th February 2001, I was at the Metropolis Hotel and Conference Centre, at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, for my first day of 2 in an episode of " Dalziel & Pascoe ".
During the year of 2000/2001, this was my 62nd day of filming, and by 31st March 2001 I had been involved in 66 days of filming for Television. The following day was to be my 14th episode of being in that series and I would only be in two more episodes over the following 3 years.
My final episode on that series was filmed on 8th July 2004.
The BBC television series, starring Warren Clarke & Colin Buchanan, began in March 1996 and ran for 12 series, concluding with the final episode in June 2007.
During the year of 2000/2001, this was my 62nd day of filming, and by 31st March 2001 I had been involved in 66 days of filming for Television. The following day was to be my 14th episode of being in that series and I would only be in two more episodes over the following 3 years.
My final episode on that series was filmed on 8th July 2004.
The BBC television series, starring Warren Clarke & Colin Buchanan, began in March 1996 and ran for 12 series, concluding with the final episode in June 2007.
Saturday 8 February 2014
" EMMERDALE " 1999 - 2000 - 2005
On this date, 8th February, I have been at the YTV studios 3 times to be in an episode of " Emmerdale ".
08.02.1999 was my 17th day, 08.02.2000 was my 26th day and 08.02.2005 was my 54th day.
Since my first visit, on 14th June 1993 and my most recent visit on 27th September 2013, I have either been in the studio or on location at the village 95times, appearing in a total of 171 episodes to date.
08.02.1999 was my 17th day, 08.02.2000 was my 26th day and 08.02.2005 was my 54th day.
Since my first visit, on 14th June 1993 and my most recent visit on 27th September 2013, I have either been in the studio or on location at the village 95times, appearing in a total of 171 episodes to date.
Thursday 6 February 2014
" EMMERDALE " 2013
On 6th February 2013, last year, I was at the YTV studios in Leeds to be on my 91st day of involvement on " Emmerdale ".
Since this time, during the past 12 months, I have been in the studio another 4 times, in June, July, August and, my most recent one was on September 27th 2013.
Since this time, during the past 12 months, I have been in the studio another 4 times, in June, July, August and, my most recent one was on September 27th 2013.
Wednesday 5 February 2014
" PEAK PRACTICE " 1997 and 2001
On 5th February 1997, I was at the Tram Museum car park at Crich, the headland that begins the southern end of the Pennine Chain through the centre of England, to be in some more scenes in an episode of " Peak Practice ". I had been at South Wingfield two days previously and therefore this day was for a continuity shot plus extra scenes for that same episode.
Exactly 4 years later I was at the " Peak Practice " studios which had by this time moved to Codnor in the Amber Valley district of Derbyshire. This day was my 26th appearance in " Peak Practice " and I only appeared in one further episode, my last one being at Wirksworth, near Matlock, on 20th July later that same year in 2001.
Exactly 4 years later I was at the " Peak Practice " studios which had by this time moved to Codnor in the Amber Valley district of Derbyshire. This day was my 26th appearance in " Peak Practice " and I only appeared in one further episode, my last one being at Wirksworth, near Matlock, on 20th July later that same year in 2001.
Monday 3 February 2014
" PEAK PRACTICE " 1997
On 3rd February 1997, I was in the Derbyshire village of South Wingfield, near Crich in the Peak District, to be in an episode of " Peak Practice", the medical drama produced by Central TV. I was due to return to Crich two days later to be in more scenes of that same episode.
My first appearance in an episode of " Peak Practice " had been on 19th November 1992 with Kevin Whateley and Amanda Burton in the leading roles. In the 9 years between that date and 20th July 2001, I appeared in 26 episodes of " Peak Practice ".
My first appearance in an episode of " Peak Practice " had been on 19th November 1992 with Kevin Whateley and Amanda Burton in the leading roles. In the 9 years between that date and 20th July 2001, I appeared in 26 episodes of " Peak Practice ".
Sunday 2 February 2014
" CROSSROADS " 1987 - " HOLBY CITY " 1999
On 2nd February 1987, I was on my final visit to the Central TV studios in Birmingham to be in my 7th episode of " Crossroads ", the ITV series set in a motel in the midlands. The studios have now been demolished but in 2002 I did go to the Central TV studios in Lenton Lane, Nottingham to be in a further 5 episodes of the resurrected " Crossroads " and by 23rd January 2002 I appeared in a further 5 episodes .
new characters had been introduced played by Kathy Staff , who played Nora Batty in "Last of the Summer Wine" and Emma Noble, but the series ended later that year.
On this same date in 1999, I arrived at the BBC studios in Borehamwood to be in my first episode of
" Holby City ", a spin off from " Casualty ". I was in a further 4 episodes in 2000 and two more in 2003.
In total between 2nd February 1999 and 4th April 2003 I appeared in 7 episodes of " Holby City ".
new characters had been introduced played by Kathy Staff , who played Nora Batty in "Last of the Summer Wine" and Emma Noble, but the series ended later that year.
On this same date in 1999, I arrived at the BBC studios in Borehamwood to be in my first episode of
" Holby City ", a spin off from " Casualty ". I was in a further 4 episodes in 2000 and two more in 2003.
In total between 2nd February 1999 and 4th April 2003 I appeared in 7 episodes of " Holby City ".
Friday 31 January 2014
" EMMERDALE " 2001
On 31st January 1993, I was at the YTV studios in Leeds to be involved in my 33rd day of filming in an episode of " Emmerdale".
My first day of involvement had been on 14th June 1993, and in that 20 years and 6 months I have been to Yorkshire 95 times to be filmed either in the village or interior studio shots at two locations in Leeds and several originally at Farsley.
My most recent visit to the " Emmerdale " studios was on 27th September last year.
My first day of involvement had been on 14th June 1993, and in that 20 years and 6 months I have been to Yorkshire 95 times to be filmed either in the village or interior studio shots at two locations in Leeds and several originally at Farsley.
My most recent visit to the " Emmerdale " studios was on 27th September last year.
Thursday 30 January 2014
" HEARTBEAT " 1997 - " DALZIEL & PASCOE " 2003
On 30th January 1997 I was in Leeds to be in my 4th episode of " Heartbeat ". From 5th March 1995 to 19th October 1999, I appeared in 9 episodes of " Heartbeat ". None of them were filmed in or near Goathland on the North York Moors, which was called Aidensfield in the series. Most of them were filmed in an unused Hospital in Otley near Leeds when I played a patient in a hospital ward along with Bill Maynard as Greengrass and Derek Fowldes as Oscar the police sergeant. Other scenes were filmed in a converted mill in Farsley, where interior scenes of the Aidensfield Arms were filmed.
My best part was as a magistrate, which was filmed in an old court house alongside Ripon Cathedral, in scenes that included Sylvia Sims, famous for her roles in major films including " Ice Cold in Alex ".
Four years later, in 2003, I was on location in Harborne, Birmingham, to be in my 13th episode of
" Dalziel & Pascoe " starring Warren Clarke and Colin Buchanan. My first episode had been on 27th August 1996 and my final episode was on 8th July 2004, during which time I had appeared in 14 episodes.
My best part was as a magistrate, which was filmed in an old court house alongside Ripon Cathedral, in scenes that included Sylvia Sims, famous for her roles in major films including " Ice Cold in Alex ".
Four years later, in 2003, I was on location in Harborne, Birmingham, to be in my 13th episode of
" Dalziel & Pascoe " starring Warren Clarke and Colin Buchanan. My first episode had been on 27th August 1996 and my final episode was on 8th July 2004, during which time I had appeared in 14 episodes.
Wednesday 29 January 2014
" BAD COMPANY " 1993
On 29th January 1993, I was at the Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham to be in some scenes of a made for TV film called " Bad Company " starring Angus Deayton, Jonny Lee Miller, Ken Stott, Mark Drewry and George Irving. I only remember the scenes where I was involved were with Ken Stott, other than that the day is a vague memory. My call time had been 8.30 am and the wrap was 7.30 pm, an 11 hour day.
The working title had been called " On Her Majesty's Pleasure " but was released as " Bad Company " later that year in 1993.
The working title had been called " On Her Majesty's Pleasure " but was released as " Bad Company " later that year in 1993.
Monday 27 January 2014
" DOCTORS " 2005
On 28th January 2005, I was in Birmingham to be in " Doctors", a BBC medical drama, set in the Midlands.
My first episode had been on 6th April 2004 and later, in 2005, I was to return for my third episode.
" Doctors " is still being produced by the BBC in Birmingham and my last visit to the studios was on 9th April 2008.
" Doctors " is currently being screened on BBC One at 2.15 pm. and I am informed that it has a very avid young audience.
My first episode had been on 6th April 2004 and later, in 2005, I was to return for my third episode.
" Doctors " is still being produced by the BBC in Birmingham and my last visit to the studios was on 9th April 2008.
" Doctors " is currently being screened on BBC One at 2.15 pm. and I am informed that it has a very avid young audience.
Sunday 26 January 2014
" SCREAMING " 1992 - " THE BILL " 1993 & 1994 - "ANNIE'S BAR " 1996
On 26th January 1992, I was in a street in Hereford to be in a scene in " SCREAMING ", a BBC drama written by Carla Lane about three middle-aged women who share a friendship, none of them knowing that they also share the same man.
It starred Gwen Taylor, Penelope Wilton, Jill Baker and Anthony Barclay.
The 8 episode series was screened later in that year 1992.
On this same date the following year I was in South London to be in my 6th episode of the police drama
" The Bill ", also on this date the following year of 1994, I was at the same studios to be in my 7th episode and also later that same year for my 8th.
Two years later on this same date in 1996, I was at the Television centre in Teddington to be in my first episode of " Annie's Bar " , a political soap - shot only hours before transmission time to enable the scenes to contain up to the minute political issues.
I was playing the part of a Member of Parliament and on this episode we were joined by the real Member of Parliament for Grimsby - Austin Mitchell. He walked alon in front of those of us sitting on the front benches and commented on how authentic we all looked. A previous episode had included Edwina Currie.
I was later involved in a further two episodes filmed in February of that year and a further location shot in Henley in March 1996.
The studio at Teddington contained a mock up of the House of Commons and really looked like the real thing. " Annie's Bar " was set in and around Annie's Bar - the legendary watering hole and gossip shop in the House of Commons.The series containde 10 episodes and was screened in 1996.
It starred Gwen Taylor, Penelope Wilton, Jill Baker and Anthony Barclay.
The 8 episode series was screened later in that year 1992.
On this same date the following year I was in South London to be in my 6th episode of the police drama
" The Bill ", also on this date the following year of 1994, I was at the same studios to be in my 7th episode and also later that same year for my 8th.
Two years later on this same date in 1996, I was at the Television centre in Teddington to be in my first episode of " Annie's Bar " , a political soap - shot only hours before transmission time to enable the scenes to contain up to the minute political issues.
I was playing the part of a Member of Parliament and on this episode we were joined by the real Member of Parliament for Grimsby - Austin Mitchell. He walked alon in front of those of us sitting on the front benches and commented on how authentic we all looked. A previous episode had included Edwina Currie.
I was later involved in a further two episodes filmed in February of that year and a further location shot in Henley in March 1996.
The studio at Teddington contained a mock up of the House of Commons and really looked like the real thing. " Annie's Bar " was set in and around Annie's Bar - the legendary watering hole and gossip shop in the House of Commons.The series containde 10 episodes and was screened in 1996.
Thursday 23 January 2014
" CROSSROADS " 2001
Yesterday I recalled my involvement in the Central TV programme " Crossroads " in 2002, having been in my first 7 episodes between 1985 and 1988.
On 24th January 2001, I arrived at the Central TV studios in Lenton Lane, Nottingham to be in my 1st episode of the resurrected series of " Crossroads ". This was my first day of 4 during 2001, and yesterdays reference was regarding my final visit to those studios, in January 2002, was when I was on my 12th day of "Crossroads " ( 7 having been filmed in Birmingham and the final 5 in Nottingham).
On 24th January 2001, I arrived at the Central TV studios in Lenton Lane, Nottingham to be in my 1st episode of the resurrected series of " Crossroads ". This was my first day of 4 during 2001, and yesterdays reference was regarding my final visit to those studios, in January 2002, was when I was on my 12th day of "Crossroads " ( 7 having been filmed in Birmingham and the final 5 in Nottingham).
" CROSSROADS " 2002
On 23rd January 2002 I was at the Central studios in Lenton Lane, Nottingham to be in an episode of
" Crossroads ". This turned out to be the last time I was to visit these studios, as they have now been demolished.
My first " Crossroads " had been on 11th July 1985, following my successful interview with Barbara Plant, the casting agent at the Central studios in Birmingham.
I appeared in 7 episodes in the years between 1985 to 1988 and when the series was resurrected in 2001, and had moved to studios in Nottingham , I appeared in a further 5 episodes between 2001 and 2003 until the series was terminated.
" Crossroads ". This turned out to be the last time I was to visit these studios, as they have now been demolished.
My first " Crossroads " had been on 11th July 1985, following my successful interview with Barbara Plant, the casting agent at the Central studios in Birmingham.
I appeared in 7 episodes in the years between 1985 to 1988 and when the series was resurrected in 2001, and had moved to studios in Nottingham , I appeared in a further 5 episodes between 2001 and 2003 until the series was terminated.
Wednesday 22 January 2014
" CASUALTY " 1996
On 22nd January 1996, I was in Bristol for my 26th episode in " Casualty ". this was already my second day in those studios in this year and I was in 4 more episodes of " Casualty " also in 1996.
Over the next 8 years, up to 2004, I have appeared in 45 more episodes of " Casualty " making a grand total to date of 71 appearances, one of which was my only credited speaking role of a Boxing Referee/ M.C.in episode 23 of the 1997/98 series.
It is now 10 years since I have been involved in this TV medical drama which is set in the fictional Holby City Hospital.
Over the next 8 years, up to 2004, I have appeared in 45 more episodes of " Casualty " making a grand total to date of 71 appearances, one of which was my only credited speaking role of a Boxing Referee/ M.C.in episode 23 of the 1997/98 series.
It is now 10 years since I have been involved in this TV medical drama which is set in the fictional Holby City Hospital.
Tuesday 21 January 2014
" DANGERFIELD " 1997 - " EMMERDALE " 2004
On 21st January 1997, I was in Warwick city centre to be in a street scene of " Dangerfield ".
All I can remember about this uneventful day was standing around in a street for hours waiting to be filmed as a passer-by.
" Dangerfield " was a British TV drama series about a small town Doctor/police surgeon, ran for 6 series between 1995 and 1999. Originally Nigel Le Vaillant played the central role,but later left the series and the focus switched to his replacement played by Nigel Havers.
My first episode was filmed on 4th May 1994 and I appeared in 10 episodes between that date and my final episode was filmed on 5th August 1999.
On 21st January 2004, I was in Leeds to be involved in an episode of " Emmerdale ".
This day was my 48th day of involvement in this very popular story of village residents in the Yorkshire dales.
All I can remember about this uneventful day was standing around in a street for hours waiting to be filmed as a passer-by.
" Dangerfield " was a British TV drama series about a small town Doctor/police surgeon, ran for 6 series between 1995 and 1999. Originally Nigel Le Vaillant played the central role,but later left the series and the focus switched to his replacement played by Nigel Havers.
My first episode was filmed on 4th May 1994 and I appeared in 10 episodes between that date and my final episode was filmed on 5th August 1999.
On 21st January 2004, I was in Leeds to be involved in an episode of " Emmerdale ".
This day was my 48th day of involvement in this very popular story of village residents in the Yorkshire dales.
Sunday 19 January 2014
" THE REAL MCCOY " 1992 - "EMMERDALE " 1998 - " CASUALTY " 1999 - " EMMERDALE " 2005
On 19th January 1992, I had arrived at the BBC Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham to be in comedy scenes in " The Real McCoy ".
" The Real McCoy was a BBC TV comedy show that ran from 1991 to 1996 featuring an array of black and Asian comedy stars performing material aimed at an across-the-board black audience in a totally new sketch series.
Six years later I was in Leeds for my 8th day in an episode of " Emmerdale ".
Another year later, I was in Bristol for my 40th day in an episode of " Casualty " and again on 19th January 2005, I was up in Leeds again for my 86th day on an episode of " Emmerdale ".
I would appear that the 19th January is a profitable day in a month that is usually not a very productive month.
However.within this month of January in 2014, I will have attended 6 Formal dinners and two Toastmaster quarterly meetings in London all of which will have been at my own expense with no paid jobs since 7th December 2013.
Saturday 18 January 2014
" CASUALTY " 1999 - Day 2 of 4
On 18th January 1999, I had stayed in a Hotel in Bristol, following my first day in episode 27 of
" Casualty ",where I was involved in a three day shoot in Bristol followed by a further day on the " Holby City " set, for continuity, on 2nd February 1999 at the BBC studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
The first day on the 17th had been a 4 pm call for a "night-shoot " which wrapped at 4 am.
this second night on the 18th also required me to be at the studios in Bristol for 4 pm which wrapped at 3 am. The third day, which I shall recall tomorrow, also had an early morning wrap.
For the two nights that I stopped at a Hotel in Bristol, I was given the keys to the Hotel in order that I could let myself in and not wake up the proprietor at that late hour.
I shall be mentioning the " Holby City " visit, on this site when the anniversary of that date occurs in early February.
The episode was called " Love over Gold " and was screened on 6th March 1999.
" Casualty ",where I was involved in a three day shoot in Bristol followed by a further day on the " Holby City " set, for continuity, on 2nd February 1999 at the BBC studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
The first day on the 17th had been a 4 pm call for a "night-shoot " which wrapped at 4 am.
this second night on the 18th also required me to be at the studios in Bristol for 4 pm which wrapped at 3 am. The third day, which I shall recall tomorrow, also had an early morning wrap.
For the two nights that I stopped at a Hotel in Bristol, I was given the keys to the Hotel in order that I could let myself in and not wake up the proprietor at that late hour.
I shall be mentioning the " Holby City " visit, on this site when the anniversary of that date occurs in early February.
The episode was called " Love over Gold " and was screened on 6th March 1999.
Friday 17 January 2014
" DALZIEL & PASCOE " 1988 - " CASUALTY " 1999 - " EMMERDALE " 2000
The 17th January 1998 was my third consecutive day on " Dalziel & Pascoe " filming in Lichfield Cathedral.
The second day had included my experience of being lifted up into towards the ceiling of the Cathedral in a
" Cherry - picker " when I was a stand in for Warren Clarke's character Dalziel.
This third day was the shortest day of the three, the first being from 9 am to 5pm, the second 8.30 am to 8.10 pm and this final day from 8.30 am to 2 pm.
On this same date the following year, I was in Bristol for my 40th appearance in an episode of " Casualty ".
This was the first of 6 days where I appeared in an episode of Casualty in 1999.
The same date in 2000, continued a sequence of filming on a Television programme into a third year, as I was in Leeds for my 26th day on a episode of " Emmerdale ".
Since 2004, " Emmerdale " has been the only television work that I have been involved with, other than
" Doctors " in 2005 and 2008 and " City Lights " in 2006, until 2012, when I was in the Cameron Mackintosh production of " Les Miserables " and an episode of " Midsomer Murders ".
Last year , 2013, saw a further expansion of work when I played a shop-keeper in an episode of
" WPC 56", which will be screened next month and a new film about Stephen Hawkin called
" The Theory of Everything ", where I play a Cambridge University professor, which is still being filmed with the expected release date of 2015.
The second day had included my experience of being lifted up into towards the ceiling of the Cathedral in a
" Cherry - picker " when I was a stand in for Warren Clarke's character Dalziel.
This third day was the shortest day of the three, the first being from 9 am to 5pm, the second 8.30 am to 8.10 pm and this final day from 8.30 am to 2 pm.
On this same date the following year, I was in Bristol for my 40th appearance in an episode of " Casualty ".
This was the first of 6 days where I appeared in an episode of Casualty in 1999.
The same date in 2000, continued a sequence of filming on a Television programme into a third year, as I was in Leeds for my 26th day on a episode of " Emmerdale ".
Since 2004, " Emmerdale " has been the only television work that I have been involved with, other than
" Doctors " in 2005 and 2008 and " City Lights " in 2006, until 2012, when I was in the Cameron Mackintosh production of " Les Miserables " and an episode of " Midsomer Murders ".
Last year , 2013, saw a further expansion of work when I played a shop-keeper in an episode of
" WPC 56", which will be screened next month and a new film about Stephen Hawkin called
" The Theory of Everything ", where I play a Cambridge University professor, which is still being filmed with the expected release date of 2015.
Thursday 16 January 2014
" DALZIEL & PASCOE " 1988 - day 2 of 3
On 16th January 1988, I returned to Lichfield Cathedral to continue my role as Herod, in a passion play scene in an episode of " Dalziel and Pascoe" starring Warren Clarke & Colin Buchanan.
I had stayed at my son Chris's house in Erdington, Birmingham, rather than travel the 120 mile round trip for three days, and therefore did not have too far to travel to the location.
Yesterday, I mentioned about standing in for Warren Clarke on the " cherry picker " and being raised up near to the top of the Cathedral while the stunt man performed the fall from the height very close to where I had been positioned. I can only remember being sent up to the roof on that one occasion but cannot remember which of the first two days that I underwent that experience.
This date is the only day that I have ever worked on 16th January in any year since 1985.
I had stayed at my son Chris's house in Erdington, Birmingham, rather than travel the 120 mile round trip for three days, and therefore did not have too far to travel to the location.
Yesterday, I mentioned about standing in for Warren Clarke on the " cherry picker " and being raised up near to the top of the Cathedral while the stunt man performed the fall from the height very close to where I had been positioned. I can only remember being sent up to the roof on that one occasion but cannot remember which of the first two days that I underwent that experience.
This date is the only day that I have ever worked on 16th January in any year since 1985.
Wednesday 15 January 2014
" DALZIEL & PASCOE " 1998 - " CASUALTY " 1996 - " CROSSROADS " 2001
On 15th January 1998, I was in Lichfield Cathedral to be in an episode of " Dalziel & Pascoe " starring Warren Clarke & Colin Buchanan.
The 1st Assistant Director was William Hartley, who I had worked with on quite a few other programmes up to this point.
The episode was about a passion play being performed in the Cathedral and Warren Clarke was playing the part of God. I was supposed to be Herod and dressed in similar white robes.
This was my first day of three consecutive days and therefore I stayed overnight in the outskirts of Birmingham. Towards the end of one of the days following many hours of filming, the Director called for a scene to be shot where one of the cast jumps from the roof of the Cathedral and commits suicide. This required Warren Clarke to be in shot, standing on a "cherry-picker " as the character falls past him onto the floor. Warren had returned to his hotel for the night, and because I was dressed similar to him, William Hartley asked me o go in the "cherry- picker " and stand in for the actor. \the shot would only show me from the neck down and I was sent up on this open cage "cherry- picker, to near the top of the cathedral.
A stunt man, dressed as a woman, jumped from above me onto cardboard and mattresses below as I held onto the rail of the crane.
I heard someone shout " God " and thought that the shot had gone wrong, but when I realised that I was supposed to be Warren , playing the part of God, I then understood that he meant me.
" When we do this shot again, can you hold your arms out like a priest " was the direction, and on the second take, the stunt man dropped past me as I held my arms out and was quite concerned trying to keep my balance on this wobbling crane.
I was quite relieved when I was brought back to ground level and immediately asked to be made up to "Walk On 2 ", but William agreed to give me " Special Skills " for agreeing to being sent up on the " cherry-picker ".
Two years earlier, on this same day, I was in Bristol for the first day of a two day shoot for " Casualty ".
My second day was a week later and therefore was required to look and dress exactly the same as this previous week, for continuity purposes. This first day in 1996, was my 25th day of involvement in
" Casualty " and, during that year, I returned to be in 5 more episodes.
On 15th January 2001, I arrived at the Central Studios in Lenton Lane, Nottingham, to be in an episode of
" Crossroads ". The production team had moved from Birmingham to Nottingham after Central TV brought back " Crossroads for a second series.
In 2001 I was in 4 episodes and on 23rd January 2002, I was in my final episode following my first one l in 1985. A total of 15 episodes, 7 in Birmingham and 8 in Nottingham.
The 1st Assistant Director was William Hartley, who I had worked with on quite a few other programmes up to this point.
The episode was about a passion play being performed in the Cathedral and Warren Clarke was playing the part of God. I was supposed to be Herod and dressed in similar white robes.
This was my first day of three consecutive days and therefore I stayed overnight in the outskirts of Birmingham. Towards the end of one of the days following many hours of filming, the Director called for a scene to be shot where one of the cast jumps from the roof of the Cathedral and commits suicide. This required Warren Clarke to be in shot, standing on a "cherry-picker " as the character falls past him onto the floor. Warren had returned to his hotel for the night, and because I was dressed similar to him, William Hartley asked me o go in the "cherry- picker " and stand in for the actor. \the shot would only show me from the neck down and I was sent up on this open cage "cherry- picker, to near the top of the cathedral.
A stunt man, dressed as a woman, jumped from above me onto cardboard and mattresses below as I held onto the rail of the crane.
I heard someone shout " God " and thought that the shot had gone wrong, but when I realised that I was supposed to be Warren , playing the part of God, I then understood that he meant me.
" When we do this shot again, can you hold your arms out like a priest " was the direction, and on the second take, the stunt man dropped past me as I held my arms out and was quite concerned trying to keep my balance on this wobbling crane.
I was quite relieved when I was brought back to ground level and immediately asked to be made up to "Walk On 2 ", but William agreed to give me " Special Skills " for agreeing to being sent up on the " cherry-picker ".
Two years earlier, on this same day, I was in Bristol for the first day of a two day shoot for " Casualty ".
My second day was a week later and therefore was required to look and dress exactly the same as this previous week, for continuity purposes. This first day in 1996, was my 25th day of involvement in
" Casualty " and, during that year, I returned to be in 5 more episodes.
On 15th January 2001, I arrived at the Central Studios in Lenton Lane, Nottingham, to be in an episode of
" Crossroads ". The production team had moved from Birmingham to Nottingham after Central TV brought back " Crossroads for a second series.
In 2001 I was in 4 episodes and on 23rd January 2002, I was in my final episode following my first one l in 1985. A total of 15 episodes, 7 in Birmingham and 8 in Nottingham.
Sunday 12 January 2014
" THE ONE GAME " 1988 - " GLAN HAFREN " 1995
On 12th January 1988, I was in Coventry again for my second day on filming an episode of " The One Game ". this second day involved shooting more scenes of the mediaeval banquet , where I was playing one of the guests. During these two days of filming I met two people from Coventry who were to become good friend over the ensuing years, John & Sheila, who have been very eager member of the Coventry branch of Equity over the past few years. Sheila Payne was the Secretary for many years until her retirement from that offices two years ago.
Seven years later, on the same date, I arrived in Cardiff to be in an episode of " Glan Hafren ", a Welsh Medical Drama.
" Glan Hafren " was produced by HTV and this has been my only involvement in the third series which was shown between 1994 and 1995. It was all performed in Welsh and therefore this has been the only programme that I have appeared in that has been in a foreign language.
If I recall correctly, the episodes were Welsh versions of " Casualty ", because the episode that I was involved with, was the same story line of an episode that I was involved with in " Casualty " in Bristol, a few years before.
Seven years later, on the same date, I arrived in Cardiff to be in an episode of " Glan Hafren ", a Welsh Medical Drama.
" Glan Hafren " was produced by HTV and this has been my only involvement in the third series which was shown between 1994 and 1995. It was all performed in Welsh and therefore this has been the only programme that I have appeared in that has been in a foreign language.
If I recall correctly, the episodes were Welsh versions of " Casualty ", because the episode that I was involved with, was the same story line of an episode that I was involved with in " Casualty " in Bristol, a few years before.
Saturday 11 January 2014
" THE ONE GAME " 1988 - " CASUALTY " 2002
On 11th January 1988, I travelled to Coventry to be on my first day of two in " The One Game ", a four part British television drama serial produced by Central Independent Television and broadcast on ITV from 4th June 1988 to 25th June 1988.
Set and filmed in Birmingham, it starred Patrick Malahide, Stephen Dillane and Pippa Haywood.
My scenes were actually filmed in a Banqueting Hall in Coventry and were filmed over a two day period, this was the first day which involved us attending a mediaval banquet.
The following day was spent filming further scenes of the same banquet and obviously we were only pretending to eat the cold chicken from the day before.
On the same date in 2002, I was in Bristol to be in my second day of my 58th episode of " Casualty ", which I mentioned yesterday. I had stayed at a Hotel in Bristol and returned to the studio this following morning, rather than travelling the 260 mile round trip to home and back, for my call time at 7.30 am.
Set and filmed in Birmingham, it starred Patrick Malahide, Stephen Dillane and Pippa Haywood.
My scenes were actually filmed in a Banqueting Hall in Coventry and were filmed over a two day period, this was the first day which involved us attending a mediaval banquet.
The following day was spent filming further scenes of the same banquet and obviously we were only pretending to eat the cold chicken from the day before.
On the same date in 2002, I was in Bristol to be in my second day of my 58th episode of " Casualty ", which I mentioned yesterday. I had stayed at a Hotel in Bristol and returned to the studio this following morning, rather than travelling the 260 mile round trip to home and back, for my call time at 7.30 am.
Thursday 9 January 2014
" THE BILL " 1992 - " CASUALTY " 2002
On 10th January 1992, I had arrived at South Wimbledon by train and walked to the studio in Merton, South London, to be in my third episode of " The Bill ". My first involvement in " The Bill " had been on 16th July 1991, and having also travelled by car, via the M25 and the A3, had deduced that the quickest way to get to that studio was to travel by train and the London Underground system to South Wimbledon and walk the remaining 3 miles to the studio in Merton.
From that first day in 1991 to 7th December 1996, I have appeared in only 10 episodes of " The Bill "
On this same day in 2002, I arrived in Bristol to be in my 58th episode of " Casualty ", which, to date, has been the only programme that I have appeared in as a Character, and fully credited, role.
I have played several minor speaking parts over the 16 year period from my first episode on 5th April 1988 to 23rd September 2004.
Since the " Casualty " studio has moved to Cardiff, it is not feasible to travel down to South Wales and return in the same day with the added mileage on top of a full working day being required when only playing the role of a Supporting Artiste.
From that first day in 1991 to 7th December 1996, I have appeared in only 10 episodes of " The Bill "
On this same day in 2002, I arrived in Bristol to be in my 58th episode of " Casualty ", which, to date, has been the only programme that I have appeared in as a Character, and fully credited, role.
I have played several minor speaking parts over the 16 year period from my first episode on 5th April 1988 to 23rd September 2004.
Since the " Casualty " studio has moved to Cardiff, it is not feasible to travel down to South Wales and return in the same day with the added mileage on top of a full working day being required when only playing the role of a Supporting Artiste.
Wednesday 8 January 2014
" BOON " 1986 - " CASUALTY " 1997
On 8th January 1986, I arrived in Birmingham for my first day on an episode of " Boon " starring Michael Elphick as Ken Boon and Neil Morrissey as Rocky, David Daker as Harry.
This would be my 7th day of filming on a national channel since my first ever job on 3th August 1985 which was " Marjorie and Men " starring Patricia Routledge. My first day in any studio, other than my first Television audition for " Lunch Box " presented by Noel Gordon in the 1960's, was for a Kodak Training Film, filmed at Eastwood studios near Nottingham on 15th February 1985.
Between 3rd August 1985 and 25th August 1992, I appeared in 13 episodes of " Boon ".
on 8th January in 1997, I arrived at Bristol to be in my 35th episode of " Casualty ", my first episode having been on 5th April 1988 and my 61st episode on 11th September 2002.
During that 14 year period, I played a few roles speaking dialogue as a Security Guard, A Press Photographer, a drunken party guest plus, my first credited role as a Boxing Master of Ceremonies.
" Casualty " is still running and is now filmed at new BBC studios in Cardiff.
This would be my 7th day of filming on a national channel since my first ever job on 3th August 1985 which was " Marjorie and Men " starring Patricia Routledge. My first day in any studio, other than my first Television audition for " Lunch Box " presented by Noel Gordon in the 1960's, was for a Kodak Training Film, filmed at Eastwood studios near Nottingham on 15th February 1985.
Between 3rd August 1985 and 25th August 1992, I appeared in 13 episodes of " Boon ".
on 8th January in 1997, I arrived at Bristol to be in my 35th episode of " Casualty ", my first episode having been on 5th April 1988 and my 61st episode on 11th September 2002.
During that 14 year period, I played a few roles speaking dialogue as a Security Guard, A Press Photographer, a drunken party guest plus, my first credited role as a Boxing Master of Ceremonies.
" Casualty " is still running and is now filmed at new BBC studios in Cardiff.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)