10 Questions for John Thomson

From The Fast Show to Men Behaving Badly and Knowing Me Knowing You, John became known for his comic roles. But it’s his performance as the melancholy Pete in Cold Feet that’s showed he can play the dramatic parts too. Last autumn the show was revived to great acclaim, and a new series starts on ITV this Friday at 9pm.

WERE THE CAST SURPRISED BY THE REACTION LAST YEAR?

We’re older, not wiser, so we were nervous coming back after a 13-year gap. There was no social media around last time but this time we knew it was OK instantly. We were the third-highest trending story worldwide.

HOW DOES PETE PROGRESS THROUGH THE NEW SERIES?

He’s unhappy with his lot. He’s gone up in the world from taxi driver to chauffeur but realises money isn’t the route to happiness, so he changes his life.

WHO’S THE JOKER IN THE CAST?

I guess it’s me. I think I have two jobs – acting, and being the clown on set to keep everyone’s spirits up. I’m told I’m not so much low maintenance as no maintenance. That’ll do for me.

WHO’S THE MOST DIPLOMATIC CAST

MEMBER?

Robert Bathurst, who plays David, is old school. A real gentleman. Well mannered. A bit like Nigel Havers.

WERE YOU NAUGHTY AS A YOUNGSTER?

As an altar boy I’d drink the communion wine, and I’d set fires on a disused railway line with my mates then throw aerosols on the fire and watch them explode while the neighbourhood’s windows shook. I’m not going straight to Heaven.

EVER MET ANOTHER JOHN THOMSON?

I was at an awards dinner and they announced the Chef Of The Year as John Thomson. I know him, and he’s a great cook, but folk thought it was me. I also know another JT who is the husband of my ex-wife’s friend.

WHAT’S THE WORST THING ABOUT BEING AN ACTOR?

Self-sabotaging an audition because it’s not going well. I’ve done that. Also, when they keep you hanging on for weeks to see if you’ve got the role. That’s worse than a straight No.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU GET A DAY OFF FROM

FILMING?

I go to the movies on my own. Someone told me recently that women don’t do that, that it’s a guy thing. But I love it.

WHICH ROLE DO YOU COVET BEYOND ALL

OTHERS?

I’d really love to be a villain in a Bond movie. I’ve been hooked on them since I was five. I’m glad Daniel Craig’s playing Bond one more time.

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

I’d set up a joke shop, a really good one that delivers great practical jokes. I’d leave that as my legacy.

Then I’m off to Purgatory for a while (laughs).