TV
What can we expect from the new run of Jam & Jerusalem?
"It's going out in a different format, as one hour episodes, but it's still in its natural home on BBC One on Sunday nights. Anyone who has been following would agree that is where it should be. It's like Jennifer's love letter to rural England! She didn't write it as hour-long episodes, but it's going to be shown as three sets of double episodes - each will complement the other. The previous series could be quite scattered but because these are all interlinked, there are some lovely themes running through."
There have been rumours that Jennifer Saunders won't be starring in this series...
"She's in it - she certainly is! In fact, actually, the second Sunday is all about her son who goes to Afghanistan. It's my favourite set of episodes and it's very moving - she's brilliant in it. She's definitely in it, so that's false information!"
What will Tip be getting up to?
"There is romance for Tip, I'm delighted to say. It doesn't look great in the beginning - the guy who shows up, we're not happy with him [initially]. And I have moved into the pub, which is my natural habitat! It was a great thrill for me - I, myself, would find that as a natural habitat. I always dreamed of working behind a bar but I've been assured that it's the sh*ttiest work ever. It's not [sh*tty] on television though because it doesn't smell - it's all fake!"
You're also about to star in Shameless...
"That's right - I've been filming it actually, but I'm on a few weeks off. I'm in the first episode - I can't tell you why! - and then I return. It will actually look like I'm a fantasist because I've been telling people, 'Oh, I'm in Shameless' and they're gonna be like, 'She was in one bloody episode!' but in fact, there's a reason why I disappear - and if I told you, I'd have to kill you! I'm thrilled. I finished Jam on the Friday and then on Monday I was in Manchester doing Shameless."
What's your character Libby like?
"She's a librarian when we meet her and that's where Frank first encounters her. His new love, it seems! She has a nightmare mum from hell. I'm Manchester-Irish in Shameless so my accent is quite specific - I have an Irish mother in it, so I'm very Irish-rhythmed. Libby is possibly the most glamorous part I've played. But glamour on Shameless isn't normal glamour! And I'm playing a love interest, which is rare for me."
Are you enjoying being paired with Frank?
"It's great. I think David Threlfall is God-like - he's one of the greatest actors in Britain and it's a total joy to be paired up with him. He also directed the first two episodes of this series. I'm really happy to be paired with him. It's a wonder to be that close to Frank Gallagher, because I've been a fan of the series for ages - it's one of my favourites."
How long are you signed to Shameless?
"Once I go back, I stick around for the rest of the time. I'm in 11 out of the 16, but I've only read four episodes so far. I'm on a little break - it's very odd. It's a well-oiled machine so you have to hit the ground running! Everyone else is so bedded in that they know what they're doing."
What else is coming up for you?
"I'm trying to write an eighth novel at the moment. I want to get most of it out before I return to Shameless. If I don't finish before then, I'm hoping something in Manchester will trigger something - the acting jobs do help with the books."
Jam & Jerusalem returns Sunday at 8pm on BBC One.
