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Kathy Burke investigates why we have certain attitudes to wealth and poverty
Award-winning actress, writer and theatre director Kathy Burke is returning to Channel 4 for a new two-part documentary, in which she delves deep into the world of money. She meets those who have it and those who don’t, asking can we say who deserves it and who doesn’t? From entrepreneurs to lottery winners and those born into big bucks, 57-yearold Kathy wants to understand why we treat people differently based on how much money they do or don’t have. And after growing up in poverty, she knows how it feels to be at both ends of the spectrum.
Why do you think so many of us are obsessed with money?
I think we’ve been conditioned that way. Listen, if you’re poor, it’s a terrible thing, but it’s conditioned in us to always strive for more. Personally, I sort of understand it, but I think it’s a shame that there’s a real obsession with money. What’s the old saying? Keeping up with the Joneses – always wanting what your neighbours have got or wanting better than them. I just think that’s a bit bonkers really.
And there can be guilt surrounding those who have a lot of money…
I don’t think we should feel guilty about anything unless we’ve done something terribly wrong to somebody. I think you should feel guilty if you’re nicking money from someone else, and you should feel guilty if you don’t pay your tax, but I think people who don’t pay their tax don’t feel that guilty about it!
How would you cope if you lost it all overnight?
I don’t think I’d cope that well, to be honest. Luckily, I’ve made good friends along the way, so I like to think I’d have a roof over my head somewhere, but I don’t enjoy thinking about it.
Are you happy with your lot?
I’m very proud. I’m not far off from being 60 and I’ve worked hard. I worked really hard when I was younger, then when I got poorly about 15 years ago, my whole system just became different and slowed down. I used to be a bit of a workaholic until I got sick. I’ve done everything myself, I’ve not relied on anybody else since I was kid. I’ve earned everything myself and it does make me proud – as a woman, it makes me proud. It’s tough being a woman in this world, and I’ve made a comfortable life for myself.
Is there a subject that you would like to tackle next?
I think I need a little break from it for now. This was quite a tough one to do, particularly because of the pandemic. I think that we do want to do another one, and I have sort of got an idea, but I’m not going to say what it is because someone might nick it!
You’re directing an adaptation of Graham Norton’s novel
for ITV next – is there anything else in the pipeline?
A big lie down. And hopefully, fingers crossed, a trip to see my friends in France.
Kathy Burke: Who Wants To Be Rich?, Monday 5 July, Channel 4
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