‘I love a good pint in an English pub’ ‘everything i do still frightens me! ’
Charles Esten, 50, stars as Deacon Claybourne in musical drama Nashville. He reveals all on the new series and his love of Blighty
Nashville has a mix of music and drama. You’re a musician and actor, any preference?
I’m lucky because in Nashville I get to do a bit of everything. When I was younger I was in Buddy, the musical, but after stepping away from music it’s been great to get it back in my life. I’ll definitely keep music at the forefront.
Your character Deacon’s relationship with Rayna (Connie Britton) is at the heart of the show. What keeps them together?
Their relationship is like magic. They’ve been through so much – Deacon’s alcohol addiction and cancer battle. They’re in love but they’re also addicted to each other. She brings out the better part of him and he wants to be a better man for her.
Deacon’s been through a lot. Any memorable storylines?
Finding out Deacon is a dad and has a daughter, Maddie, was great to play. And I love being able to sing on the show.
The fifth series was cancelled but the fans were so upset they petitioned for it to come back! How did that feel?
We were blown away by the fans’ support. It was great how they came up with the hashtag and petition to get the show back on. We knew the stories weren’t finished being told.
You co-star with Hayden Panettiere [who was recently discharged from rehab for postnatal depression]. Are you a close-knit cast?
We get on so well. Hayden’s character has two sides to her; one that’s vulnerable and the other that can be a nightmare!
You lived in the UK when you were in Buddy. Do you still enjoy visiting?
My wife and I are absolute anglophiles. I love a good pint in an English pub. I always enjoy coming back here. By Francine Anker ● Nashville series 4, Thu 25 Aug, 10pm, Sky Living. Seasons 1-3 are available now on Sky Box Sets
Last year’s Bake L Off winner Nadiya Hussain is back on our screens with her very own TV show this week, the superbly titled The Chronicles Of Nadiya – where Nads travels to Bangladesh to rustle up dishes from her childhood.
“It seemed like a no-brainer,” says the adorable and frankly stunning star when we caught up with her. “It was a fantastic opportunity because I haven’t been back for 10 years, the longest time I’ve ever been away – and I wanted to top up my vitamin D!”
The two-part series will see Nadiya sharing meals with friends and family, learning new recipes and discovering what has changed on the food scene over there since she last visited for her wedding.
“I come from a small, rural village and there were so many people I hadn’t seen in years,” she adds. “I hesitated at first because I had to leave my kids – but my husband said to me: ‘Go! I’ll have them…’ He took time off work and he bought them toys every day for 14 days.”
Nadiya won the hearts of the nation on last year’s GBBO, and since then has signed publishing deals for recipe books, novels and children’s stories. On her success she adds: “I still don’t get why I’m still here! But my husband says I am very good at being myself, and that’s all I am being. I’m dopey and people like that, though everything I do still frightens the hell out of me!”
As for those famous facial expressions, Nadiya has this to say: “My first question when I watched myself back on Bake Off was, why did no one tell me I did that?! After the show, my dad was like, ‘Yes – your face does do that…’ He told me 10 weeks too late!”