10 Questions for Kerry Howard

KERRY HOWARD plays the young Hyacinth Bucket in a revival of Keeping Up Appearances called Young Hyacinth, which is available to watch on the BBC iPlayer. She made her name playing Laura in the TV comedy Him And Her, and has appeared in everything from Do

BEFORE THE CAMERAS ROLLED, YOU DESCRIBED YOUNG

HYACINTH AS THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME. WAS IT?

Absolutely, but I was giddy. My childhood self was screaming “Yipee!” and then I struggled. I got on to the studio floor and the heritage and importance hit me. I started to doubt myself.

WAS IT A ONE-OFF OR A PILOT FOR A SERIES?

Well, it feels like a pilot and I’d love to know what happens next as familiar characters we all know get introduced. I’d certainly be up for doing a whole series.

WHAT BIT OF HYACINTH BUCKET’S WARDROBE

WOULD YOU HAPPILY STEAL?

The lilac hat she wears out on a date in the show. I haven’t got anything that goes with the headgear so I couldn’t wear it, but I’d love to have it.

IT’S SET IN THE ’50S. COULD YOU HAVE SURVIVED THEN?

Survived? I would have preferred it. There was a sense of community, everyone went to church and looked after each other. I would have preferred it.

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

Don’t think about it – just do it!

WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS AN ACTRESS OR A

COMIC ACTRESS?

An actress. I only got in to comedy to get an agent and no one is more surprised than I am that it’s become a career. But I wouldn’t say no to some Shakespeare or a meaty drama.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ACTOR OR ACTRESS?

Julie Walters. Anyone can do the modern natural acting thing like Made In Chelsea or TOWIE because it’s not acting at all. But Julie can become a grotesque, a completely different person. Now that’s acting. She’s my icon.

FAVOURITE COMEDIAN EVER?

My brother Russell, left, or Lee Evans.

IS WRITING COMEDY HARDER THAN

ACTING IT?

Yes. I’ve written what I thought was great stuff and then the commissioners and others block it, so you then start writing what others want which is wrong. I’ve had to learn to write with my own voice and if they don’t like it then bad luck.

YOU HAVE 24 HOURS LEFT TO LIVE. HOW DO YOU SPEND IT?

I would be shameless, running around nude shouting: “Look at my chest”. I’d put it on social media because I wouldn’t be around to deal with the shame.