Whatever’s happened to Night Manager Two?
THE LAVISH television production of The Night Manager was such a huge hit, attracting some 10 million viewers an episode and making a fortune for the BBC in overseas sales, that there was a natural presumption there would be a second series. Indeed last year Elizabeth Debicki, one of the stars of the stylish adaptation of John le Carré’s novel, dropped hints that filming was to commence this February. But fans of the spy drama will be disappointed to learn that a subsequent series may be postponed indefinitely.
With no firm schedule in sight, the thriller’s biggest names have now made other commitments. Oscarfavourite Olivia Colman is heavily in demand elsewhere, as is Hugh Laurie, while Tom Hiddleston is to star in a West End production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal starting in March.
“The original production was such a big success that planning for a follow-up began almost immediately,” says a BBC source. “But it rapidly proved to be a night- mare, with one of the stars refusing to commit, affecting everyone else’s schedule.
“It was then put back until next year but the impetus is fast disappearing. Morale was not helped by the lack of success of another of le Carré’s works, The Little Drummer Girl, which failed to ignite viewers’ enthusiasm.”
Production plans have further been hampered by the decision of Danish director Susanne Bier, who made the first series, not to be involved. She says: “I just got worried that I would repeat myself or do something which wasn’t as great.”
The Night Manager was made in conjunction with the BBC by The Ink Factory, founded by John le Carré’s sons, Stephen and Simon Cornwell. A spokeswoman for the company declined to comment on “speculation” over rumours that a second series had been shelved. After bruising week her hubby might like to cheer her up with some new footwear. Her love of shoes is shared by Philip, who inherited his appreciation of loafers and slingbacks from his father John, who worked as a salesman for a Merseyside shoe wholesaler.
“Philip, unlike most men, used to love shopping for shoes with Theresa,” confides a friend of the couple. “As it’s now more difficult to get to the shops, they go online. But Theresa will always ask Philip’s opinion first before she orders a new pair.” left it late to get married – she was with her partner Michael Mayhew for three decades before they finally found their way to a register office – but the actress seems to have cracked it as far as compatibility is concerned.
“I think it helps that I’m up in Northumberland half the time filming my detective series Vera, so long may it continue,” laughs Brenda, who will be 73 next month. “I think it’s about having our own space. Even when we’re at our home in Ramsgate we sit in separate rooms, Michael with his music in one, me with my crossword in another. He makes me laugh like nobody else and I think he likes me for my honesty.”
Indeed she giggles at the memory of how former theatre director Michael proposed. “He popped the question on Skype. I think he went down on one knee but I don’t know for sure because he went out of vision.
“He could have just been tying his shoelaces.”
can mimic most politicians but even he’s struggling with Jeremy Corbyn. “I’m working on it,” sighs the suave impersonator.
“I think of Corbyn as one of those grey, woolly mascots that you get on the front of a lorry that looks as if it’s been through too many car washes.
“Somehow it has managed to stay on the radiator grille but you wouldn’t want it driving the lorry.”