I’m A Celeb star Christopher Biggins talks to ME & MY MONEY

Legend: ‘Biggins’ loves spending but also owns a buy-to-let flat

Actor and pantomime great Christopher Biggins, 74, got his big break playing Lukewarm in the 1970s BBC classic sitcom Porridge.

A 50-year career has embraced everything from starring in pantomime, children’s programme On Safari to being crowned king of the jungle in 2007’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!

Biggins, as he is affectionately known, tells Dan Moore that after playing Nero in BBC’s I, Claudius, he reckons he actually was the emperor in a previous life. He lives in East London with partner Neil Sinclair.

What did your parents teach you about money?

At 18, I was with Salisbury Rep on £2 a week, and drama school and both were heavily subsidised by my parents. When I left, my father said: ‘Now look, son. You’ve done four years, but it’s time to get yourself a proper job and buy a house.’ I said I’m going to be an actor and I think I’ve been reasonably successful.

They were purely looking after my interests and in a way, they were right. I advise others against joining this business because the money’s terrible and there are so many out-of-work actors who are brilliant.

What was your first proper job?

It was the 1974 BBC sitcom Porridge. Sid Lotterby, who was the director-producer, told me about it. When he said Ronnie Barker was going to star in it, I thought, well, that’s good enough for me.

I used to drive to work in a convertible; I’d be at traffic lights with the roof down and lorry drivers would look down and say, ‘Ello Lukewarm, how are you?’ It was this that made me think I’d arrived!

Did Porridge give you financial security?

Not at all. When I look back and think of what I did without being financially secure, Poldark, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, stage, pantomime, there were so many things. Security only came with winning I’m A Celebrity. That’s when my finances really changed.

What drew you to panto?

I was asked to do pantomime at Darlington Civic Theatre in 1975 when I was 26 or 27 years old and I said, ‘No thank you, I’m an actor, I don’t do pantomime.’ They kept asking and I kept saying no. Eventually, they told me the money was £1,000 a week. I did it and, of course, fell in love with it.

Pantomime is very different now. If you star in one you can make a lot of money. I feel strongly about pantomime, as it’s very important for theatres. If people have enjoyed the pantomime, the chances are they’ll book for next year, and they’ll probably book something in between so it’s a breeding ground for theatre audiences.

What’s your career highlight?

I, Claudius, in which I played Nero, was a great, high-class television series, filled with the most wonderful actors. I absolutely adored it because I felt that in a past life, I was Nero myself!

I sympathised with the character so much. It was beautifully written and the episode I did was great fun. The day after my episode was transmitted the producer of Poldark rang the producer of I, Claudius to ask what this Biggins fellow is like. He got a glowing report and of course, offered me the role of the sex-crazed vicar in Poldark.

Is there anything you would change about your life?

I’ve directed a lot of theatre, pantomime, Shakespeare, all sorts, but I’d love to direct a film. You have just one view with film. The final result is what you see through the camera lens rather than through the theatre audience’s eyes. I don’t really mind what genre, just whatever takes my fancy.

King of the Jungle: Christopher Biggins won I’m A Celebrity in 2007

Are you an investor?

I’m a spender rather than a saver but I have invested in property. I bought my house in Victoria Park, Hackney, and when I won I’m A Celebrity, I bought a one-bedroom flat in Stratford near the London Stadium, which I rent out.

What luxury do you treat yourself to?

Paintings. I’ve been collecting art for 50 years. We don’t know what wallpaper looks like at home. It’s just wall-to-wall paintings. They are all works by my friends or picked up at exhibitions. I get very upset when I go to people’s houses and they don’t have paintings or books. I think they are strange people.

What is your number one financial priority?

As you get older, you realise you don’t need another television or fridge freezer. I’ve got a wonderful home, a wonderful life, a wonderful partner. All we need is enough money to go on holiday twice a year.

Do you have any plans to retire?

I’ll never retire, but I am very picky about what I’ll do. I’ve no ambitions to play Hamlet or give the country my Lear. I just want to keep ticking along.

I’ve a season at the Edinburgh Festival this year hosting a show called Tea With Biggins, where afternoon tea is served while I interview famous guests such as Sir Cliff Richard, Dame Arlene Phillips, Stephanie Beacham and Gloria Hunniford.