Me and Steve on set around the pool

Since the very first series of Benidorm was aired on ITV at the beginning of 2007, it has become such a hit with the UK viewers that Tiger Aspects are currently filming the 5th series in the town. The key characters have remained since the beginning and central to that are the loud dysfunctional Garvey family. Mike is the lazy, work shy, uncouth head of the clan who does anything to save a pound or two... and I had the pleasure of meeting the actor who plays him - Steve Pemberton.

He told me that he is absolutely delighted to be back in Benidorm filming and to still be in the series adding that "Its like one big happy family -  everyone gets on so well together and even the newbies to the series fit in comfortably"
Steve had two interviews before being cast for the part of Mick Garvey. Initially on his own then the second time together with his "screen wife" Janice, actress Siobhan Finneran to see "how they gelled together" as Steve put it. The chemistry was instantanoius and they both got the parts ... obviously!

But as well as acting Steve is well known for his writting .... and two of his most noteable pieces to date are "The League of Gentlemen" and "Psychoville" - where he also acted in both. But this may change as he has written 3 of the episodes in this current 5th series - so look out in particular for episodes 3, 5 and 6. It was well publicised that Derren Litten would not write all the episodes for this current series.

I asked Steve if there were any memorable scenes that sprung to mind and he told me of a scene that they had just filmed whereby they had to jump into the pool at midnight FULLY clothed! "Fortunately it was a wrap on the first take" he giggled. Can you imagine if something had gone wrong ... they would all have had to re-film again on another day as all the clothes etc would have been soaked and would be needed for continuity !

At the book signing last month with "his family"

Prior to coming over Steve had just finished filming another series of "Whitechapel" with Rupert Penry-Jones (best known as Adam from "Spooks") .... he has cetainly worked with many notable actors including Woody Allen, Peter O'Toole, Michelle Pfeiffe, Nicole Kidman - the list is endless. Isn't it great that such an amazing well respected  actor loves coming to our Benidorm again and again.

After filming has finished here Steve is back off to London (where he lives) for abit of a break before his next project in January. He will be on stage at "The National Theatre" in the classic 18th century comedy "She Stoops to Conquer" with Katherine Kelly (Becky McDonald from Corrie) and Sophie Thompson (younger sister of Emma) - what a change from his role as Mick!
Now Steve did let me into a little secret as to who is appearing in a cameo role! Im not going to be a screen spoiler but I'll give you afew clues ... no its not Joan Collins as was widely rumoured but her sister - however its NOT Jackie - abit criptic! Also, talking about a family theme think of other sibblings ... such as a "Brother" - answers on a postcard .....