That's all folks
RickHall1 asks:
You, Stephen Lowe and Billy Ivory all feature on the Nottingham Trams. What is it about Nottingham and drama/theatre talent?
Guardian contributor Maybe it's in the brown sauce... I think there's a lovely, humble trait that runs through Nottingham. We're a city that are incredibly proud of what we've achieved but we don't shout too loud about it. I think when people discover the talents that come out of Nottingham, it is getting bigger. But I think we'll always remain really humble. There's a certain realness about the Nottingham people, and I think that shines through in our work, especially with the likes of Billy and Stephen and Shane, their styles are rooted in their surroundings.
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shorely asks:
After your performance in Line of Duty, how did it feel to hear calls for you to take over as the next 007? Tempted?
Guardian contributor Hahahahahaha! Hell yeah I'd do it. But I think it's pretty unlikely.
rordulum asks:
How would you think you’d feel about working on a show that had an American-style 20-22 episode season run, as opposed to British shows that tend to only have 6-10 episodes a year?
Guardian contributor The potential of a seven year contract does make me a bit nervous, but it would always depend on what it was, I guess.
charchar06 asks:
What do you find more of a challenge, scripted work or improvisation? And which do you prefer?
Guardian contributor I prefer improvisation. It can sometimes be a challenge when you feel you're being forced to say certain things that might not feel natural. But for example, in Line of Duty, the star is the script, and there's no way I'd be able to improvise that show!
Pagey asks:
Any plans to write/direct for TV or theatre?
Guardian contributor No plans to write or direct, but it's not something I'd rule out. I co-produced a six-part comedy series called Charity Shop Sue, and really enjoyed the producing side of things. And Shane Meadows exec produced it - it's yet to be aired, but I learned that things aren't easy to get off the ground.
vinnyggow asks:
Did you get to hang out much in Glasgow filming The Secret Agent? If so, any favourite haunts?
Guardian contributor I absolutely loved Glasgow, I felt as home straight away there. I went to a reggae bar one night, I can't remember what it was called... but I remember having a very good night.
'If I wasn't an actor I'd be a food critic'
Emma Richardson asks:
If you weren’t an actor, what what would be the dream job?
Guardian contributor A food critic. I'd try anything food-wise - I'm not fussy. I used to think as a kid, when people would say we're going out for a meal, and make a big thing of it, it was really sad. That's now all I want to do, go out for nice meals.
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sam7728 asks:
Did you ever think: “Hmm. An undercover cop might be more subtle than sidling up to a suspect on a fag break and go, ‘Done anything suspicious recently?’” Is it easy to style it out when you are asked to do stuff like that?
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thestowmassive asks:
One of the wonderful things about This Is England was the strength of the cast, and the fact that, with it spread over such a time period, you felt like you grew up with them as they went through the years, and it was a privilege to watch you all. What were your happiest moments making the series and do you ever see another instalment down the road?
Guardian contributor When we did This is England 86, we all lived in this apartment block together, and as difficult as making it was, with the storylines that Lol had, they were some of my happiest days, because I was surrounded by my mates. We had a lot of fun in those flats... I was the only one allowed back for 88!
ID6654445 asks:
Can you tell us more about your time as a kid at the Central Junior Television Workshop? Is it true that Sam Morton spotted you there? And if so, do you keep in touch? How did you feel about having to have your long hair shaved off for This Is England?
Guardian contributor No, I wasn't spotted by Sam Morton, I don't know where that story came from. I have met here a few times, and her career is another great example of the likes of Jack O'Connell, of what comes out of the workshop. It was the best ten years of my life, and put me in good stead for who I am and the kind of acting I do today.
'Lol would have voted remain'
deepbluepete asks:
Would Lol have voted for Brexit?
Guardian contributor Let me trance into Lol... I reckon she'd Remain. That was the whole point of This is England from the get-go - there was no divide.
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EmmaM169 asks:
Do you think there will be any more This Is England series and do you still meet up with the cast?
Guardian contributor We all hope there's going to be more. But we don't know if it's going to come back. We all stay in touch, all genuine mates. Johnny Harris is my closest mate, we formed a true friendship from that show, and the gang are very much like the gang. It's always great to see them and me and Woody have a regular FaceTime.
claireylou asks:
If you could only watch three films for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Guardian contributor This may change, but I would say: Stand By Me, Dirty Dancing and Kes.
Iokanaan asks:
One of the most powerful pieces of cinema I’ve ever seen was the scene in This Is England ’86 where Lol is being prayed for by the nurse. It’s never left my mind as a symbol of hope for people for people who have been through abuse and trauma. So often in the arts, working-class experiences, like suffering or poverty, are either sentimentalised or fetishised. How did you, Shane and the team manage to get to a place of being able to inspire that level of hope?
Guardian contributor There is a big rehearsal period when we do This is England, and everybody wears their heart on their sleeve for that time. We all work together so closely and respectfully to make sure that we find the truth, and we do the stories justice. Knowing that it's being watched by people who have had those experiences in real life.
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RoThornhill asks:
Ever since I saw you as Ladine in Shane Meadows’ wonderful A Room for Romeo Brass I’ve followed your career with interest. Clearly your superb work with Shane, especially in the mighty This Is England saga, is important to you. Which other directors have you worked with on screen, stage or TV that meant a lot to you and your development as an actor?
Guardian contributor John Strickland who directs Line of Duty, and has directed some of the last episodes for the last two series, and going back to somebody who understands the show like John does, you always feel like you're in a safe pair of hands for what is a complex TV show. And Matt Aston, who is keeping me calm directing me in my stage debut, and he happens to be one of the nicest men. A really friendly guy.
stevenparryeynon asks:
I think you could play a good Siouxsie Sioux if they did a film about her. What’s your singing voice like?
Guardian contributor I auditioned for Italia Conti when I was 14, and I sang Supercalifragalisticexpealidocious, and I got in. There's something in that.
'Find the truth in what you're saying. If you believe it then the audience will'
Wenrho asks:
I’ve started acting at the age of 47! You’re an amazing actor. My question is – how do you get into character and be so emotive when delivering your lines?
Guardian contributor Good for you! Find the truth in what you're saying. If you believe it then the audience will.
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Hanzolo asks:
I’m a huge fan of your work and wanted to ask you, as your performance as Lol in This Is England was so profoundly moving, can you think of a performance that stands out to you as particularly inspiring/moving recently?
Guardian contributor Ethel and Ernest, an animation, and for some reason it was something everyone could get something out of. Kids and grandparents were watching it, and being that it was on at Christmas, and everyone wants to be around loved ones and family, and the fact I've experienced dementia in my own family, I found the film hugely inspiring and moving. I also watched Moonlight recently, and I found that really moving. Quite a difficult film to watch.
Harvey Window asks:
Do you feel that you’ve ever managed to step out of your father Troy’s shadow?
Guardian contributor This is the fifth question on here regarding me and Troy, so clearly not.
ttiaoiin1 asks:
Shane Meadows is said to take a collaborative approach to characterisation. Did Lol and the other characters evolve during the preparation for This Is England (the film)? If so, how?
Guardian contributor When we did the film, we had no idea it was going to go on to be a series, and I think a lot of us were playing similar roles to ourselves in some ways. So there wasn't really a preparation for it to go on any further. But as in everything Shane does, there's always a collaborative approach - he's the most trusting director I know.
'The assault scene in This Is England '86 will always be a defining moment for me'
Lightull asks:
The scene in A Room for Romeo Brass where Morell runs into the living room in a sexy kimono during your “date” is one of my favourite scenes Shane Meadows has ever directed – “Ladine!!!”
What’s your favourite scene you’ve ever acted in?
Guardian contributor As traumatic as the rape scene with me and Johnny Harris in This is England 86 is, it will always be a defining moment for me. Whilst it wasn't easy, I trusted Johnny and Shane with my life, and felt we created a scene that won't be forgotten. It's indescribable how that scene was made, and certain feelings and thoughts that we had to go through aren't to be shared.
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Ian Batch asks:
You’ve starred in two of the best TV dramas in recent times in This Is England and Line of Duty. Do you see your future in Hollywood doing films, or do you think that we’re in a kind of golden age of TV series, and as long as the brilliant scripts and parts are there you’ll continue doing those?
Guardian contributor I don't really have a plan, like I've said before. I'm really content with the work that I do here, but let's see if Hollywood ever call - you never know.
chris1958 asks:
Are you related to Doug?
Guardian contributor I haven't heard of him. We've just done a Wikipedia. I'm going to check him out.
martybaby asks:
I’m looking forward to seeing you and Esther Coles – a friend of mine – at Nottingham Playhouse in February. Is Touched looking good?
Guardian contributor Esther Coles is going to have me giggling, what a funny, wonderful lady. It is looking good. Don't get me wrong, I'm nervous, but I'm told we're at the right place we need to be now. So here's hoping we stay on track!
'I struggle being told to do things by directors without knowing why'
Liam Quane asks:
May I ask, what is the best thing a director can do for you on set?
Guardian contributor I like to work with directors that want my input. That want to create and find the character together. I struggle just being told to do things without knowing why. It's like a naughty child: "But whyyy?"
IntrepidWolf asks:
I already have my tickets for Touched! Can you tell us a little more of what we can expect from your character in the show?
Guardian contributor Thank you for buying a ticket! Hope you enjoy it. It's as Notts as they come. Sandra is a beautifully complicated character to play. A real sense of going back to 1945, with dialogue that you can only wish for as an actor. It's really conversational, lots of Nottingham slang, and some beautiful soliloquies.
DWFan1 asks:
My unrelated question: what’s your favourite Pixar film?
Guardian contributor I'd probably say Finding Nemo. Because it's just so cute! I love Dory, and I have watched Finding Dory, but I found it really really sad. It was quite dark.
Myam0t0 asks:
Beans on a fry up?
Guardian contributor Everything on a fry up! That's what a fry up is. The whole shebang. Black pudding, french toast, you name it. In fact, I'll be having one in the morning.
arabellabelsy asks:
What was it like working with David Tennant and Olivia Colman in Broadchurch?
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stephenkavanag6 asks:
I thought you were a really excellent Winnie Verloc in The Secret Agent. Was it difficult to play a character who starts off so passive and self-contained, and yet ends up so active and emotionally central to events?
Guardian contributor I knew that playing Winnie was going to be a challenge, and that's always one of the reasons why I take those roles - I like a challenge. Her progression in the story was one I hadn't really played before: she very quickly goes from seeming meek and mild, to dangerous and on the edge, and being a three parter it's a very short time to make that jump successfully. But with the help of Charles McDougall the director, and the cast around me, you find the truth in it.
'My first love is British film and TV'
Son_of_Mam asks:
Vicky, what are your thoughts about the US and Hollywood? Have you had any offers to work over there? If not, is it an aspiration of yours to do so? On a personal level, I hope the British stage, TV and cinema fulfils you. I’ve loved you in Line of Duty and This Is England.
Guardian contributor The endgame is not America for me. I've never been directly offered any work over there, but what they produce is incredible work and should the offer ever come, I wouldn't turn it down if it was the right script with the right role. But my first love is British film and TV. I don't think either are better at storytelling - I just have more passion and a better understanding of the roles that I play here, and as people notice, I tend to cling to roles that cling to reality.
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Mitch99 asks:
What’s your absolute dream part and why? By the way, Lol has always been my favourite character and I would have loved to have been in your gang!
Guardian contributor This question always trips me up, because I don't have any plans. Every job I do is a dream job, because I'm glad to be doing, and to be working. If you said, who would you love to play in a biography, then Karen Carpenter is one of my idols - but I don't have her voice so I'm never going to play her! The dream is already shattered. It can be dangerous to plan too far ahead - expectations can be lost. I'm so positive...
elephantwoman asks:
When playing Lol did you ever laugh out loud?
Guardian contributor Yes - whenever Woody was around. We actually shot a scene that never made the cut, and I don't think I can go into too much detail! I remember not being able to quite control a stone faced moment, because it was getting a little bit out of hand...
Kevcoe asks:
Do you agree with me that Nottingham Rock City is the best live music venue in the UK? And did you ever go to the rock/alternative Saturday nights during the 90s? I’d love to think that our paths might have crossed ...
Guardian contributor Agreed. I used to go to Rock City on Thursday nights, so every chance our paths have crossed. Love that sticky floor! That was like R&B, hip-hop, cheese... it was quite a variety. My favourite music is Motown though.
chrisflondon asks:
Do you like crisps? If not, why not?
Guardian contributor I don't like crisps, I love crisps. I would say my favourite is... cheese and onion. Particularly Tayto. Filming Line of Duty in Belfast, I definitely got the taste.
Tintenfische asks:
During your marriage to Troy McClure there must have been some rivalry for his affections between you and Selma. She managed to put up with his love of fish whilst you obviously couldn’t cope with piscine poking. Do you now regret not showing the same understanding as her?
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ID5073896 asks:
As a Nottingham gal how have you coped growing up in the shadow of the culturally more sophisticated city of Derby down the road?
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Bonnylad asks:
Do you think the last series of Line of Duty was ruined by the ridiculous Die Hard-type ending?
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EMCW1988 asks:
How much preparation was put into the scene around the dinner table in This Is England ’90 where Lol reveals the truth about her involvement in her father’s death? To date the performances/filming of that scene hasn’t been topped – so gripping, just brilliant!
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'Thandie Newton is one of the funniest women I've ever met'
TheRootsTheRoots asks:
What has series four of Line of Duty been like to film? What’s Thandie Newton like to work with? I fear you are going to be the annual surprise death in episode one of series four. Your work in the first This Is England TV show still haunts me.
Guardian contributor Thandie Newton is one of the funniest women I've ever met. Really made me giggle on sett and is fiercely talented. She's absolutely smashed it. I'm pretty sure you'll have a good show to watch. It's hard work - I call it Lines of Duty, because there's a lot of lines. But Thandie is brilliant.
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OleksandrOK asks:
What does talent mean to you?
Guardian contributor Talent to me is something that you have that you can't get rid of. An urge to fulfil that talent.
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PunCrock asks:
One of my children used to think that all cats were girls and all dogs were boys. Did you have any similarly daft notions when you were growing up?
Guardian contributor Yes. I used to make up my own language and I still do. One of my most popular words is "hallamode". I've no idea what it means, but you can use it in any which way you like. If I can't think of what to say, I'll just say "hallamode!"
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Vicky is with us now
Post your questions for Vicky McClure
Vicky McClure has played a series of tough but vulnerable figures in some of TV’s biggest drama successes: This is England, Line of Duty, Broadchurch and more.
She got her break in Shane Meadows’ film A Room for Romeo Brass, which led to nine years playing Lol in his kitchen-sink saga This is England, winning a Bafta for her performance in the ‘86 instalment. She recently reunited with co-star Stephen Graham for an adaptation of The Secret Agent alongside Toby Jones, and was picked out by Madonna to act in her directing debut, Filth and Wisdom.
She’s now returning to her native Nottingham for a stage production of Stephen Lowe’s second world war drama Touched. She joins us to answer your questions in a live webchat at 1pm on Friday 27 January – post them in the comments below, and she’ll take on as many as possible.
Thank you for all your questions. Some funny ones in there! I'm still trying to think about what I find most exotic - I'll get back to you on that. Thanks for all your support with my work, and it's still quite overwhelming that this is my job.