大象传媒

1. In what way is this series different from the last?

I would say our remit is the same. We’re trying to make brilliant episodes for every series.

2. How did it feel when you heard the TV series was voted fourth in the Radio Times Best Sitcoms of the 21st Century?

It was flattering. A little more flattering than coming fifth. But not as flattering as coming third. I’m generally a little bit wary of things people vote for. Donald Trump being an example of how wrong all that can go.

3. The characters feel like they’ve become a family – was that intentional or something that’s happened organically?

Well it was the intention yes, but that original idea has developed organically. Both the actors and the characters they play have meshed. I think we all genuinely like and enjoy working with each other and that’s possibly something of a rarity in a television sitcom?

4. Who would be Arthur’s dream dinner party guests?

Brian Blessed, Geoffrey Boycott, Anita Harris, Mike Brewer and Ed China (off Wheeler Dealers) and Laurence Olivier (if he isn’t dead).

5. The Count has a huge and ever growing fan-base. Do you find yourself getting recognised in public?

I’m occasionally recognised as Arthur. But not often. Frankly I’m a bit miffed when people recognise me. I mean, in my head I’m still a virile young man with his whole life ahead of him. Either way, it’s not something that I particularly seek. I think I’d rather come and go as I please. Like Greta Garbo!

6. How is the character of Arthur evolving with each series?

He’s pretty much fully evolved. Arthur straddles all mediums. Live, Radio, and the TV. It would be confusing for the people watching and listening if he was changing, morphing into something else. For me what works, what interests me about Arthur, is how someone so defined will react in different situations. Arthur’s starting point at the beginning of each episode is always the same. He’s simply himself!

7. Tell us a secret about Count Arthur

He can count to 19 in Turkish.