PEAK performance

SHEILA HANCOCK’S FILM CAREER HAS REACHED NEW HEIGHTS

When Sheila Hancock first read the script for Edie, she wondered why she’d been offered such an incredible leading role.

“I never had a great film career but I realised why when they explained that they wanted me to actually climb a mountain for the film – not as a green screen. There are not many people my age who can do that,” tells the 85-year-old actress.

Edie follows a strong-willed woman who, after her husband dies, makes the bold decision to hike the Scottish Highlands. Sheila has been twice widowed herself. First husband Alec Ross died in 1971 and second husband Inspector Morse star John Thaw passed away in 2002, both of cancer. Although she related to that part of Edie’s storyline, it was the challenging fitness aspect that drew her to the role.

“I worked out, did weights to strengthen my muscles, and did running up hills and long-distance walking with an ex-air force guy who frightened me to death,” tells Sheila. But when filming started in the Highlands, it was still a huge challenge despite the training.

“It was still terrifying, especially climbing rocks with a sheer drop below me. Also camping in a tent above the clouds is not my favourite thing. I have never been so cold in my life and going to the toilet was a constant nightmare.”

However, after tackling the challenge, Sheila feels on top of the world.

“This film says it’s never too late to achieve something in life. But you have to take risks and make an effort,” she smiles. “I suppose that is what I did in the making of this. And I am very glad I did.”