The Cup – a six-part comedy series for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two
Steve Edge plays Terry McConnell
Steve Edge, best known for starring roles in series such as Phoenix Nights and The Visit, plays Terry McConnell in The Cup.
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Producer Sue Vertue sets the scene for his starring role: "Terry used to play football when he was a teenager with his now boss Steve Robson who, with one dirty tackle, ended any potential football career for Terry when he was just 19, which explains his passion and determination for his son Malky to succeed at the game."
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Steve elaborates: "Despite all Terry's faults and weird ways, he's got a good heart and the right idea of what he wants for his boy.
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"He was a footballer himself and his career was cut short by Steve Robson and there's a bit of guilt somewhere in there I think.
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"He's now living his dream through his son Malky and sometimes he's a bit heavy handed, shall we say, in his approach."
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In fact, there's something of a love triangle between Terry, his wife Janice and his boss Steve: "Janice has a bit of history with the guy who ended my football career but who has since given me a job in his car dealership firm.
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"Steve went on to greater things, had a brief career in professional football and now owns this company. But ultimately Terry's won because he's got Janice and Steve's still in love with her.
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"Terry is also aware that he can use Steve's feelings for Janice to pull in some favours. For example, when he wants Steve to make use of his contacts at Bolton FC, he uses a bit of emotional blackmail – he basically pimps Janice out in a way!"
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The fact that The Cup was shot in a mock documentary style was something Steve really enjoyed.
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He says: "It made filming the series that little bit different. I was a stand-up comedian for more than nine years and I think that helped me with thinking on my feet a bit.
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"The writers, Moray and Jack, encouraged us to ad-lib if we wanted to and Matt Lipsey, the director, was brilliant and really gave us all a lot of freedom.
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"Each character speaks directly to the camera at various stages, giving a bit of history about themselves, which is quite a novel way of getting to know them."
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He adds: "It's an ensemble piece really and all the lead characters are pushing for our kids to be the best.
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"My character Terry and Dr Kaskar, played by Pal Aron, each think our son is the best player in the team; there are lots of rows and arguing and we actually end up acting more like kids than the actual kids themselves!"
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He concludes: "I'm a pretty keen football fan and a big supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers – so that made appearing in the series very appealing.
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"I don't have kids but I can imagine the drive and passion parents might have for them to succeed, especially in an area where you've personally failed.
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"As well as the football side, the script has got a lot of energy, the rest of the cast are fantastic to work with and we just had a real laugh making it.
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"I hope that will all come across on the screen."
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