Jason Donovan (Darren)

From soap star to singing sensation, Mr Jason Donovan surely needs no introduction. We caught up with him to find out how he got involved in Dial M For Middlesbrough.

Jason Donovan (Darren)

Why were you so taken by the idea of co-starring in Dial M for Middlesbrough?

I laughed a lot when I read it. I also thought that Darren was a character I could really explore and that there was some great dialogue which I could get my teeth into. I loved the work of the director Ed Bye as well - what a CV he's got! That was really appealing, too. I also watched the first two films and thought they were hilarious. So I was delighted when they asked me to be involved.

I really enjoyed the contrast with the character I've just played, The Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. That's what we do in this business. As actors, we are always trying to do different things. So this job sat perfectly with me. I was also attracted by the great cast - they're all terrific actors.

Have you enjoyed working with Sian and Johnny?

Absolutely. They're such warm people. Sian has brilliant timing, and Johnny has this wonderfully dry sense of humour. It appears as if they're putting in minimal effort, but that's just a mark of how skilful and how natural they are as performers. A hell of a lot of the comedy comes through Sian and Johnny.

Why is Dial M for Middlesbrough so right for Christmas?

It's light-hearted fun and has a very cheeky sense of humour. Like the first two films, which went down extremely well, this is great British telly with a great cast. TV is very big currency here at Christmas, and this will work really well at that time of year.

Why is telly such a big deal in the UK at Christmas?

Because of the cold weather, you just want to snuggle at home and watch good TV. I really understand that. I think people will relax and enjoy Dial M for Middlesbrough and fall in love with these characters. It will appeal across the generations. It's great family viewing that everyone can bond over.