Do you think Norman would give up his job as a porter if he could make a profession out of his band?
He doesn’t have any doubts that he won't make it as a musician. It was actually a prerequisite for the role of Norman that I was able to play an instrument, and in one episode we find out
Norman was in a brass band and he plays the trombone. I’m sure he would quit his job if the offer was tempting.
There is friction between Norman and Adam. Why do they dislike one another?
Norman isn't sure about Adam’s commitment to his sister, Heather. He doesn’t have anything against Adam, Norman just likes the status quo. He has his washing done by his sister and
he's at their flat nearly every night, which obviously irritates Adam. Norman's probably aware it irritates him, but doesn't really care. He's protective over Heather and it's his way of making
sure she's okay. He doesn't want things to change as if he had to do his own washing and cooking he wouldn't have the time to work on his rock star career.
You’re Yorkshire born and bred; are you enjoying filming so close to home?
It's very local for me. I only live about five miles away so I cycle into work, which is definitely a bonus. The great thing about working on The Royal Today is that I love the character and like
the idea he's striving for a goal he'll probably never achieve, but he never gives up.
What research did you do for the role?
I actually went to the porters’ lodge at the hospital where we film in Bradford. I shadowed them around the hospital and asked about what the job involves. I wanted to find out what they liked
about their job and what they got up to. All of them enjoyed their jobs and it could be seen as a cushy job even though it's not well paid at all. There are some down sides to the role of a porter
though you tend to see the grim side of life.
What do you think will be the appeal of The Royal Today?
There's some really great storylines, the scripts and writing are the most important thing. It’s not too challenging or shocking, but is entertaining. It's very human and real.
What’s it like being part of a brand new cast?
I've never done anything like this before, so it's lovely being in something from the very start. Watching the whole thing being built up is interesting as people are apprehensive about how it
will all work. It's amazing to see what a slick unit we have now. We all know what's expected and how everything works and are managing to get through it all.
Have there been any amusing moments on set?
We had a funny one the other day when I and Ben, who plays Adam, were on set doing quite an intimate scene with just the two of us and one other supporting artist. I think it was this
gentleman's first time on set and he couldn't get round us so just barged straight between us while we're trying to do this dialogue. The amusing thing is you know it just wouldn't happen in
real life. No one would walk between people having a private conversation, they'd at least say 'excuse me' and you'd move to let them pass. I don't think he realised what he'd done but it
was quite comical watching it back.
I’m sure people will remember you from The Full Monty. What sort of comments do you get in the street?
People still recognise me from The Full Monty. It will always be in people's minds. We couldn’t imagine how big it was going to be at the time. It's ten years down the line now and people still
talk about it. People shout at me in the street 'Hey, give us a strip!' or 'I didn't recognise you with your clothes on'. It might change now to 'Norman, where's your trolley?’.
Image and text © ITV1
