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| Anne
chats to Memorable TV about her role in new ITV1 drama Bad Mother's
Handbook.
Anne Reid plays Nancy (Nan) Cooper
What initially attracted you to the script?
I think it’s a wonderful book and is very well written, and I am also a huge fan of Catherine Tate so to be asked to play her mother was an offer I couldn’t refuse.
Tell me about your character and her role within the show?
She’s senile. I’m playing an old woman who is losing her mind, and my friend said ‘well no stretch there then!’ It was tricky because you don’t want to over do it.
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All I ever want in a part is it to be believable. I just try to think myself into it. Nan is very loving and the most important thing to her is family and being a mother. The whole thing is about the mother’s love for her children which is something that I absolutely relate to. I have got a son, and now a grandson. Motherhood is the most important thing in life. I am most definitely a mother first and an actress second, there is no question. It’s good to work on a script that outlines the importance of parenting.
How does it compare to other roles you have played?
I’ve played a similar character once before in an Alan Bennet play called Enjoy where I a played a women with Alzheimer’s. That was much more of a straight comedy though so it was quite different. It’s a nice challenge. I like to do lots of different things. It’s a shame to repeat parts. I’m getting a lovely variety now, though, which is great.
What do you think will be the appeal of The Bad Mother’s Handbook?
There’s a lot of humour. It’s not a mushy sentimental piece at all, but in the end they all agree that the love for your child is the most important thing. It’s all about the journey they go on to get to that point and is about the different generations. Nan’s generation of women didn’t have careers; they stayed at home and looked after the kids. Now women try to have it all. The Bad Mother’s Handbook addresses the differences in expectations from one generation to another.
Have you enjoyed working on The Bad Mother’s Handbook?
It’s been fabulous. Everybody has been so kind. Catherine is extraordinary. She’s not just a comedienne to me, she’s a very clever and funny actress. I was absolutely thrilled to be working with her. Holly is beautiful and hugely talented. I adore her. We filmed between Leeds and Huddersfield for three weeks and I really enjoyed filming in the North. I lived there for so many years before I moved to London and I miss it. I love the countryside so it was great to get out on the moors.
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