You Ask… Jamie Lomas (Warren)
Bad boy Warren is no stranger to police questioning! But thankfully, 42-year-old star Jamie doesn’t need a lawyer present while he answers our readers’ queries…
“Congratulations on your nomination for Best Actor at this year’s British Soap Awards! How will you celebrate if you win?”
Oh goodness, I haven’t even thought about it. Obviously with a few drinks! I don’t usually think about winning because just making it on to the shortlist is amazing. Hollyoaks doesn’t get the number of viewers that other soaps do, unfortunately, but our fans are very loyal. So who knows? Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we get the recognition we deserve.
“What’s the difference working on Hollyoaks now compared to the first time around?”
The main difference is the cast, although there are still a few faces from the first time I was here. That’s really the only thing that’s changed. But I’m enjoying being back. Warren is such a great character to play, and having five years away gave me the chance to come back and play him a bit differently.
“Which of Warren’s enemies has been your favourite?”
Oh, I’ve had so many good ones! It was great working with Emmett Scanlan [Brendan Brady] because he’s such a good actor, but everyone I’ve worked with has been good in their own way. Ricky Whittle [Calvin Valentine] was cool as we both came from [Sky1 show] Dream Team.
“I saw the Hollyoaks cast have filmed some episodes in Ibiza. Where would be your ideal location to film?”
I don’t think they’d send me to Ibiza, because they know I’d probably cause trouble! But where would be my ideal location? Mauritius or somewhere like that probably, somewhere beautiful. I’ve never been to Mauritius, but I’d love to go somewhere scenic. I’m not sure that’s in the budget, though!
“Can you tell us a secret about Anna Passey [Sienna]?”
Well, I know she told you about my drunken hotel antics! But Anna is always
“What was the best thing about spending some time in LA?”
messing up her lines – she took 15 takes the other day, which is ridiculous. I can’t work with amateurs like that, I’m sorry! She needs to up her game [laughs]. No, I’m joking, I love her to bits! You spend so much time together that if you didn’t get along, it wouldn’t be a great environment.
It’s all fun banter.
“What was the best thing about spending some time in Los Angeles?”
I did a really good film out there, and I put my all into it. I met some great people, I tested for a show – and the sunshine was great! But LA is one of those places that I’ve got a lovehate relationship with. Everyone’s an actor out there, so it’s quite tough. But I learnt a lot about the industry and gathered a wealth of experience from my time in Hollywood.
“What kind of dad do you think Warren will be to his twins?”
I think he’ll be a great dad. He’s made so many mistakes in the past, so I think this time round he will want to do it right. And he’ll do everything that he can to make sure the twins are happy. I think he’ll be a bit of a softie…
“Who was the last member of cast to make you laugh out loud?”
Rory [Douglas-speed], who plays Joel. He’s a nightmare on set – let that just be known, please! He’s the biggest giggler, but he only seems to do it on your shot, not his. He gets his close-up out of the way and then laughs on everybody else’s! But he’s a breath of fresh air to have around – he’s a great kid. We just take the mickey out of him all day, because he’s really teeny weeny – I could put him in my pocket and take him home with me!
“What’s the messiest night out you’ve ever had with your best mate Quinny [Anthony Quinlan, aka Emmerdale’s Pete]?”
Oh, I don’t know – we’ve had many, many good nights out! But we’re both on a fitness regime at the moment, so he’s working really hard in the gym, as am I. That means there aren’t too many messy nights out right now. The awards parties are always good, though – I’m hoping we’ll get to go to the Inside Soap Awards together this year, actually, because I’ve never been to your party before.
“Having done both Hollyoaks and Eastenders, would you ever fancy starring alongside your sister Charley [Webb, who plays Debbie Dingle] in Emmerdale?”
Yeah, I’d love to work with my sister.
Emmerdale is one of the few soaps that I’ve not done, so that would be amazing. And I think Charley’s so good. It might be a bit weird, though!
“Can you tell us a secret about Anna Passey [who plays Sienna]?”