The actor on working with Dennis Potter, channelling real life in Abigail’s Party and a groundbreaking lesbian snog
You and Myra Frances shared UK TV’s first lesbian kiss in a 1974 BBC drama, Girl. What are your memories of this taboo-breaking event? VerulamiumParkRanger
Well, I remember being very nervous about the whole thing. Then I got over it. Then I was worried about how my parents, who lived in a quiet suburban area of Liverpool, would cope. I thought: “My poor mum! The neighbours will be whispering: ‘Did you see your daughter on television?’” By the time we came to record, this great director [Peter Gill] didn’t make a fuss and said: “So this is the bit where they kiss … All right, quick kiss, let’s carry on.” I was just nervous about people’s reactions. But my mum was great, and the neighbours got over it quickly.
What do you think Wendy in Life Is Sweet actually thought of Aubrey and have you ever tried saveloy on a bed of lychees, prawn in jam, trotter with eggs or pilchard curry? Vhsstilllives and EddieChorepost
The easy answer to those last ones is: no. Even the descriptions make me feel sick. Wendy was fond of Aubrey and thought he was an idiot, but a nice idiot. She was trying to help him. The bit I love the most is when he starts kissing her feet, and she says: “I might have trod in dog poo.” He was a ridiculous guy who would do anything to make an impression.
