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| Catherine
chats to Memorable TV about her role in new ITV1 drama Bad Mother's
Handbook.
Catherine Tate plays Karen Cooper
How did this role come about?
I’d worked with Alison Owen one of the Producers last year and she asked me if I’d be interested in the part of Karen. I read the book and loved it and thought it would be a great opportunity to play her. Getting the chance to work with Anne Reid was another reason I took the job. I’m mad about her, she’s fantastic. Anne doesn’t realise what a big deal she is, but every actor I know adores her.
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Tell us about your character, Karen?
Karen got pregnant at sixteen and feels that having a baby so young robbed her of the great life she had planned for herself. She works hard to look after her Mother and Daughter and is always trying to improve herself and her surroundings. On the surface she may appear insensitive and brash, but that’s only because she’s used to doing ten things at once and would rather cut to the chase. She’s head strong and wilful and blurts things out without thinking them through, but she cares deeply about her family even though they sometimes make her scream with frustration and would do anything for them.
How does this role compare to other things you have done?
I don’t compare things I just take on a variety of work that I think I’ll enjoy. Each part you play is different and that’s the great thing about acting. I love my job and feel lucky to have the opportunity to do lots of different things.
Do you prefer sketches or straight acting?
I really love them both because to me they’re the same thing. Whether you’re doing a sketch or a film you’re still acting, the results are different but the process is still the same and as long as you’re working with people you like it’s bound to be fun.
Would you like to carry on playing a variety of roles?
Most definitely. There’s no challenge in doing the same all the time and I’m always keen to mix things up.
What sort of reaction do you get in the street?
It’s been amazing. The response from the public has been more than I could ever have hoped for. I’ve never had anything nutty, people are just very friendly and it’s really nice.
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