26th Febuary 2009
SPACED'S beloved Daisy tells us about Simon Pegg in Hollywood and Harry Potter rumours that she started...
Any plans for a third series of Spaced?
I would love to do it because I would love to revisit the characters. But I'm wondering if it would ever happen. Simon's (Pegg) making an alien film with Edgar Wright and I'm off to Broadway with The Norman Conquests and developing a couple of TV things.
Where did Spaced come from?
I was homeless at the time, sleeping on my sister's rented living-room floor, thinking I wanted something that reflected my generation, that was representative of me and my friends because there's nothing on TV like that. I'd been living in London in squats and rented houses since the age of 18 and, when I started writing it at 23, I had had this intense experience as a young person and wanted to reflect that in Spaced.
What would Daisy and Tim be doing now, ten years on?
I think they would still be living in a flat. (Laughs) They might have made an effort to make it slightly more grown-up. Maybe they would have got together and have a baby? I don't know. But it did occur to me that maybe Daisy's gay? It could make sense.
Now he's making big movies, has Simon Pegg gone all Hollywood on us?
It's difficult to tell with Simon really because he was always a bit Hollywood, baby! I don't think he's changed and now it's no surprise that he really is Hollywood. After I've been on Broadway I'm hoping there's a little chance we might go on a road trip because he's gonna be down in New Mexico. If that comes off that'll be a good reunion.
Are you back to voice Mafalda Hopkirk in the new Harry Potter?
No. I wondered if I was a bit of a blabbermouth about it originally. I mentioned it off-hand that I did a voice over for it and suddenly it was like I was in the new Harry Potter film and I wish I hadn't of mentioned it now. I wish I'd been more stylish and classy. Never mind, just that one moment was thrilling.
Tell me about the Liz Hurleys...
Ah, yes, this was an act I did years ago with Katy Carmichael. We would dress up as Mancunian trannies who would dress up as Liz Hurley with socks down our pants talking about our hairy fannies! It was slightly funny. Perhaps I'll get in touch with Katy and revive it? I've never met Liz Hurley and there was no real reason why it was named after her!
Why are you supporting Action for Children?
It totally corresponded to my life. I was from a single-parent family in Brighton in an area where there was drug abuse. I didn't have any connections and it looked like I was going to have no academic qualifications either and my way out was working with the National Youth Theatre when I was 14. And the confidence it built was amazing. Having been referred there for various reasons, kids get involved with the drama groups and, by the end of the week, they are taking a major part in the shows.
It's not such a trendy cause...
I can't think of anything more important than giving young British kids opportunities to overcome their insecurities and achieve things. It's for vulnerable children who have come through the care system or who have been caring for parents at home and are at a transitional point in their lives. Through drama, I became a different person and managed to achieve something in my life.
* Jessica is supporting Action for Children's As Long as it Takes campaign. www.actionforchildren.org.uk
Interview: Jonathan Lovett
Taken From: thelondonpaper.com