|
| |
| Sam
Callis plays Dr Mike Banner in The Royal. Sundays @ 8.00pm on ITV1
How would you describe your character Dr Mike Banner?
He’s principled but impetuous. He’s the sort of guy that will do anything for anyone and jumps in with both feet. He acts before he thinks about things, but always with the best intentions. He has a lot of self confidence and he’s very much his own man. He’s not a company man, so he doesn’t conform to the hospital regulations and the way they do things – he doesn’t see why he should.
Dr Banner has a fairly modern way of working. How do the other doctors feel about his methods?
Initially they all judge him on the way he looks. He doesn’t wear a suit and tie so his colleagues don’t think he’s very good at his job! Mike has a lot to prove but he’s quite relaxed about it. He does come up against people like Ormerod who has a very specific way of working, but by the end they reach a kind of mutual respect.
|
|
Do you think there is any chance of a romance between Banner and any of his colleagues at The Royal?
He takes one of the nurses out for supper but that’s as far as he gets! I think there’s always a chance of romance with Doctor Banner, as he’s one of those people. I actually think he’s the type who would get his heart broken because of the way he reacts to things. He tries it on with everyone, so I think he’ll fall for someone eventually.
What is your favourite storyline in the new series?
I like my first episode, it’s a nice way to be introduced. I also enjoyed the one where he visits the commune on top of the moors, where the diabetic hippy father uses insulin himself but won’t let his ill daughter have anything except herbal treatment. That episode is quite a good example of how Banner works actually, because he doesn’t have a problem with herbal medicine, but he’s a realist and can’t abide double standards. He sees himself as a free spirit and doesn’t feel out of place in the commune, but he’s also pragmatic.
How did the role in The Royal come about?
I auditioned and got on really well with Ken Horn, the Producer. Then, when I had a recall in Bradford, I had a terrible cold and didn’t think I’d be able to make it. Luckily I was able to, and I just went for it! It was a nice experience and I got on well with everyone.
How has it been joining such an established cast?
It has been great actually. Some of the cast have been working together for such a long time and it does have the feeling of being a big family. I found it very easy to slip in and get on with my work, finding out about my character and getting to know people gradually. Everyone’s been sweet and I’ve been finding my own place in the family!
What have you enjoyed most about filming?
The atmosphere has made it really enjoyable and the closeness between the crew and the actors is great and very relaxed. It’s quite unusual actually.
Will we be seeing more of Dr Banner in the future?
I hope so, because he’s one of those characters who has a lot of scope. He’s not strictly defined and you can see good and bad things happen to him. You could have a nice story arc out of him as he’s still developing. Banner’s got a lot to learn and a lot of enthusiasm. He’s good fun to play and I enjoy ‘being’ him. I like that he’s slightly beaten up and doesn’t have much money. He has one leather jacket and that’s about all he wears!
Picture Credit: Copyright
© ITV 2007. All rights reserved.
|
| |
|
