Exclusive: Jamie Lomas Interview

harchester.net (June 2006)

What are the best attributes of your character?  Passionate, aggressive, hot headed, mean and moody!

What are the worst attributes of your character?  His limp!!!! Stubborn.

Did you audition for another role in Dream Team originally and would you like to have played another character? If so which one?  I originally auditioned for series 8, Tommy Valentine. However for this series I auditioned for the part of Dempsey and was lucky enough to land it! As for any other character, no not really.

Over all was you pleased with the character of Alex Dempsey?  Yes, I like playing dark characters and got to go places that other actors don't get the chance to go (the dark side).

Was there any storyline that you would have done differently?  I would've liked to have worn a frock on the pitch when I was naked…… maybe one with flowers on?, lipstick, mascara, suspenders too! No seriously, stockings as well!!

What was it like to be bare naked in the middle of Harchester's football pitch?!!  Very embarrassing and very cold! I was there for three hours in the middle of winter. I couldn't even cover myself up as my hands and legs were taped to the chair. One of the girls from wardrobe came and covered me up by putting a dressing gown over me in between takes. And lets just say, I had two belly buttons if you know what I mean!!

Was it difficult or annoying to keep up your limp?  I absolutely hated it! On my first episode, I started with a light limp and the director said to me that the audience has to know you have got a limp, so I exaggerated a little, then once you've done it you can't go back. And I promise you, nobody hated it more then me. I used to find myself walking down the street with a limp and think “what the bloody hell am I doing?”

Did you watch Dream Team before getting the role of Dempsey?  No, sorry.

What was your favourite storyline/episode?  I loved the murder storyline. I felt I was in the zone. All the stuff afterwards with Linda and Ashleigh was some of the best work I have done. They are both brilliant actors and it has been a pleasure working with them.

Chloe or Lynda?!  My beautiful Haley and Billy. Sorry guys, I love them both just the same.

Did you do any sort of research for your role, and did you personally base your character on any real life manager?  I have played football all my life. I made the character my own. Dempsey is an individual.

You have now had a glimpse of the football lifestyle, would you ever want to become a professional footballer/manager if you got the chance?  Well, I've been in talks with Man United, and they've asked me to be player manager but Hollyoaks wouldn't give me the time off! Maybe next year?

Series 10 is going to be the final ever series, how would you wrap up 10 years of a brilliant show?  Harchester to win the treble and Dempsey to become world player of the year, pipping Rooney at the post!

Are you anything like Alex in real life? (ever murdered anyone?!!)  No, I hope not. Have certainly felt like it a few times

Who were your favourite people to work with?  Absolutely everyone, cast and crew! Apart from zippy, who likes to wear women's clothes, along with Ricky!!

Which cast members will you keep in touch with?  I keep in touch with all of them, they're all great friends of mine and will be for a long time to come.

You're a member and a reader of the forums on this website, are you generally pleased with the reaction of viewers towards your character?  I play Dempsey how the writers write him, if the audience like him, good! If they don't, good! It's always good to have mixed reviews.

So, you have joined Hollyoaks, can you tell us anything about your new character? When will you be onscreen?  He's a bad lad who enjoys trouble. Will be on in the next two weeks.

What other jobs have you done besides acting?  Loads….. factory work, building work, loft fitter, promotion work.

Who's going to win Big Brother this year?  Don't care. My big brother's the winner!

What's your favourite movie and why?  ‘City of God.' Because it's a top film and very real! But I have so many favourite films.

What sort of music are you into?  Hacienda music.

Have you ever used your celebrity status as a chat up line? "Do you know who I am?!"  Are you mad!!!???

What was the last text you received and who was it from?  Can't wait to work with you – Martin Scorcese.

What's the drunkest you've ever been?  Watch Hollyoaks on Airline in a few months, a lot worse than that! I do like a good drink!!

Where is the strangest place you have ever woken up?  In a caravan, in a field, in South Africa. Say no more!

So what does the very distant future hold for you? A big movie role?  Before I started Dream Team I did a Ken Loach film with Cililian Murphy, that has just won an award at Cannes. I would love to do films but I'm just learning my trade, so we'll just take one step at a time.

Thank you for taking the time to read my interview, I wish you all the best for the future.

COME ON YOU REDS!!!!!! Long live the king (Cantona 7)!

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