I did a good audition I think, and at the end, Julia said “you would have been perfect, but you look really too young.” The Monday, I got a recall, and met with two different actors, Daniel Lombard and another gentleman. On the Tuesday, I was told we were only two left for the part. On the Wednesday at 1.30 pm, I was Isabelle. I think all the Avenue de Wagram where I used to live in then heard my scream!!!!! Did you have to move to Spain when filming began? Absolutely. Firstly, we had to go to London for the costumes. Then, I seem to remember we moved to Spain probably a couple of weeks before the shoot started. Maybe a bit more than that. Not sure. Where did the cast stay during filming? At the start, we were in Lew Hoad Tennis Club flats I remember. Then we moved in different locations. We had a set price allocated for our accommodation – depending I think of the contract – and we found ourselves flat/houses we liked. I personally had a lovely two bedroom split level house, with a small garden I spent a lot of time in cutting and taking care of the plants. My dog enjoyed it immensely! It was situated just before Mijas, in an Urbanisation call Mijas la Nueva, where there was a lovely pub and a swimming pool for the residents. Other members of the cast wanted something more prestigious, and rented house by joining with another member of the cast. What did you think about the fact that in the early days some of the characters were speaking in their own language, not English? Were any of the cast concerned they wouldn't be understood by the UK audience? I think it was probably a good idea, but it didn’t really take. Subtitles would have helped, I’m sure. With so many different nationalities working so closely together how did you all get on? Well, we were working very hard, and the cast was keeping very much to themselves. I guess I spent much more time with the crew, a bunch of great people. What did you think of Isabelle? Was she a character you could relate to? Isabelle was as far away from me as possible really. But it was a lovely challenge to make her real. For example, I hardly wear make up unless I’m working, I dress up only when I have to, I never chase men as I let them doing the running, etc. Still, She was somebody completely real for me, and I can still do a “cold Isabelle look”, or speak like she did, or flirt like she did. That was what I found the most interesting. Create a real person. It was a great pleasure and honour somehow. Which scenes or storylines did you particularly enjoy? Oh without any doubt, the love story she had with the doctor. Were there any that you didn't?! Well, a few… I really didn’t enjoy having to run after poor Per forever… Filming in Spain, were the cast and crew aware of the initial critical reception to the show? How did it affect the mood on set? Yes, we were aware of it, and I guess for the British cast/crew, it must have been difficult. But for me, honestly, it didn’t mean much. I could see that the show was getting better and better, with the professionalism of directors like Henry Foster or Merwyn Cummings for example. Towards the end of its run Eldorado was getting strong viewing figures and the earlier technical problems had been ironed out. So were the cast and crew surprised when the show was axed? Surprised is not the word. Destroyed. Stunned. Shocked. Our lives was shuttered. I will personally never forgive Alan Yentob. If it had been given a chance do you think Eldorado could still be on our screens today? Oh yes. I have absolutely no doubt about it. It was a good concept. With some excellent actors, great characters, interest story lines, in a lovely location. Are people in France aware of Eldorado? Nope. Do you keep in touch with anyone from the show? I was for a few years, John Maynard, script editor, for example, was my best friend. And of course, Tony Holland. Unfortunately, Verity, Tony and John are now gone. I don’t think I’ll ever get over John’s death. Also, Faith Kent, who was the loveliest actress and person you’ll ever find. We did a play together a few years back. Can you tell us what you've been doing since leaving Eldorado? Acting wise, it has not been easy for a few years. My choice to stay in London was probably a mistake, as my agent told me at the time. Still, I made a few play, including one for the Edinburg Festival, that got the 5 stars from the Scottsman, Cheap and Tearful. I did a film with Luc Besson, the Messenger, where I played Joan of Arc Mother. And in 2009, I just shot a TV film that I’m actually proud of, Les Trois Messes Basses, for French TV. Otherwise, I did a career in Voice Over in London I’ve very proud of, and you heard my voice very often in adverts, like Courvoisier, Roc, Peugeot or Toblerone… And in 2004, I started a new career as a Sport Reporter specialised in Squash. You may remember that Isabelle played squash – Tony Holland introduced that story line after he heard I was a keen player. Well, I created, along with an associate, SquashSite.com, and its French equivalent SiteSquash.com, two websites that are now the Reference in that sport. With my associate, we travel the word to report on the wonderful athletes of this most exciting and spectacular sport. For more infos, clips, photos, etc, please go to Framboise's website
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