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What character do you play and what can you tell us about him?

Tony Hexton – the toad – a TV presenter on the equivalent of Ready Steady Go – a mixture of Fluff Freeman and Derek Nimmo!

Is this your first period drama?

This was my first TV period drama, and it was brilliant fun. All actors like a good period drama. My first job ever was a period film, Mutiny On The Bounty, with Mel Gibson, set in the 18th century.

Is it the first time you have played a murder suspect?

This is the first time I've played a TV presenter. I've played a murder suspect before though, in Murder In Mind. I was a stalker, and just as I was about to kidnap the girl, I was murdered – hit by a bottle on the back of my head. Death by champagne bottle!

Have you worked with any of the team before?

I'd worked with a few of the crew years ago, and it was great to see them again. Everyone else was new, there were some great kids, and it was really good to work with the stalwarts like Martin and Lee.

What was the most memorable scene for you during filming?

Definitely when I'm filming the show within the show Upside Down. I turn on the absolute cheese factor – in fact it's gorgonzola plus!

Have you filmed in the North East before? No I haven't worked in the North East before, although I've visited and loved it. We were filming in Newcastle, which was great, as I always enjoy Newcastle people. In the evenings I was staying in Durham, which was also great, as I was able to get out and try some of the local ales which is a passion of mine. What do you think of the 1966 period costumes and hair? Well my character was very seedy and he wore an array of bad jumpers – an array of jumpers that weren't even fashionable in the Sixties! I loved all the costumes, though, that the other cast were wearing, the girls had their beehive hairstyles, Mary Quant make-up and short skirts – it was all good fun. It's 90 minutes of an intriguing story, I really enjoyed it. Do you remember the Sixties yourself? I was born in '62, so was very young, but I remember my dad waking me up to watch the moon landings in '69, that's a really clear memory.