As Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, Julie Hesmondhalgh played one of the most universally loved characters in the long and illustrious history of Coronation Street. Hayley was kind, caring and courageous and, as a transgender character (the first in British soap history), represented the kind of complex and rewarding acting role that comes along once in a lifetime. So, for Hesmondhalgh, leaving Corrie was an agonising decision, and a nation watched, equally agonised, as Hayley, suffering from terminal cancer, took her own life. “The decision to hang up Hayley's red anorak was a tough one… but there's life in the old dog yet, and there are other things I want to try,” she remarked at the time.
Little did she know, though, that waiting for her just around the corner was Cleo Whitaker, one of the lead roles in the latest landmark drama from the pen of the brilliant Russell T Davies. Here, Hesmondhalgh reveals how she landed the role, why it means so much to her, and how it marks a beautiful full circle for her.
This is your first TV role after Hayley in Coronation Street – were you waiting long for the right project to come along? Did you have a strong idea of what you wanted that to be?
I had no game plan at all when I went to Coronation Street and said that I was going to leave, and I just couldn’t have anticipated the beautiful storyline that they gave me. So that changed things for me a little bit, I felt that change happen and that I was in a different game than I had been in before. So it was all very open and all very exciting – but I never in a million years expected it to be something like Cucumber!
Russell hasn’t written anything for years and years, so for him to be writing this..! I’d heard about it because I live in Manchester and I know Russell a little bit. There was a big buzz about it even then – but I didn’t think there was anything for me. One of my great friends is a writer on Banana and I said I was being seen for Cucumber and he said “what part?!” It was never in any of our consciousness that it could really happen. So I went and I loved doing the audition, even the little bits I did for that were brilliantly written so it was beyond my wildest dreams that this was what I got offered. I was ready to do anything, I do a little bit of theatre and I was happy to do bits in TV and I was ready to be a jobbing actor again so this transcended any of that.
Was Russell T Davies the main draw?
Yeah and the amount of people that said “Was it a conscious decision to do a Russell T Davies drama” and I said “oh yes, it’s that easy!” It just came up and it was amazing. I got offered a couple of jobs that I had to say no to in order to do this. They were really lovely and I was really happy to do them but this took precedence over anything else really.
What were your first thoughts when you read the script?
I absolutely loved it. I got the first two episodes to read and I loved them and thought, ‘this is going to be amazing, what a wonderful thing to do 16 years after Queer as Folk’. Queer as Folk came out around the same time that Hayley arrived on Coronation Street so I was very much part of that cultural group in Manchester at that time, you know around Manchester Pride. It was around the time of Coronation Street’s first trans character, Queer as Folk being on the telly and it was the beginning of LBTG politics especially in Manchester so this is a beautiful full circle from that.
When I accepted the part, they said “you might want to read episode four” and I laughed with my husband and said “what could it possibly be? What could put me off this unless it’s a sex scene?!” I started reading episode four and shouted to my husband in the other room “I’m on a date!” and sure enough I do have a sex scene of sorts which was a bit terrifying but turned out to be more than fine actually. I enjoyed it a little bit more than I could have anticipated. Having not even kissed anyone else apart from my husband for about 17 years it was quite a big thing for me and I was very aware it would change the perception of me. It would be a big shift in audience who were following me as Hayley from Coronation Street. It would possibly be the biggest brain shift they would have to do…
How would you describe Cleo?
She is a fantastic character and I don’t know how Russell has written her so beautifully. From his own perspective as a middle-aged gay man, for him to write a middle-aged straight woman and a mother as thoroughly and as beautifully as he has. Cleo has a very busy life and she is very entrenched in Henry’s [her brother’s] life as well. She sees Lance [Henry’s boyfriend] completely as a brother-in-law even though they aren’t married, and completely as part of the family so when that all implodes it has a huge effect on her. I think for quite a while she is talking about it like it is just a crazy midlife crisis and she does her best to reverse the damage that has been done. Even though she is the person Henry listens to most in the world, she doesn’t have that influence on him and she can’t turn back the tide on this.
She becomes like everyone does in some ways, a victim to Henry’s actions in terms of a trickledown effect of the little business that Henry has with Cleo’s son, Adam, which implodes in episode five as you see the effects of what they are doing. That starts a whole conversation about what children can access online. Russell wrote a sort of addendum to that, a 10 minute short called Screwdriver [which will be released online after episode five has aired], a two-hander between Cleo and Adam where she grills him about when he first saw porn and what he has seen. Cleo has been drifting along with a certain amount of naivety about what he has been exposed to, but a friend has shown her what’s on the internet and she is shocked to the core about what she sees.
It was a fascinating part to play because on the outside Cleo seems a bit like a character in a gay drama who is very comfortable with men’s sexuality and very involved in that world. However, she is also a person struggling with her own aging and sexuality. She hasn’t had sex in a very long time and she has sort of given up on it as well, quietly, without really admitting it, but it is what happens to Henry that makes her think “I am no better than he is.” I think she is a really likeable character.
Her teenage son Adam seems very comfortable with his sexuality, he is just as happy to share a bed with his male friends as bask in attention from girls – it feels like a very modern depiction of a teenager?
I think it is brilliant – it is one of my favourite bits when Cleo comes back from her date and finds him sleeping in bed with his friend. She doesn’t really know what’s going on there, she doesn’t really think he is gay. It’s a bit like Freddie [played by Freddie Fox] who’s polysexual rather than bisexual, he is just somebody who likes people and will sleep with people he likes. She’s cool with it. She trusts Adam to be safe.
You mention Screwdriver addresses the issue of online porn, is it something you worry about?
I am at the beginning of this journey because my daughter is just 13 and also quite an innocent child and I hope I am not saying that naively! We have a really open relationship and talk a lot about things so I have said to her constantly, she is not allowed access to the internet anywhere in the house where I’m not. So she’s not allowed a computer in her room or a phone in her room. I have always said to her, if there is anything you see that you are uncomfortable with, come and tell me about it because I will talk to you about it – nothing is off limits. Screwdriver was an eye opener for me because there are hundreds of things that I knew nothing about and that was shocking to me. It is a worry about the expectations of my daughters from young boys, and I think it would be the same the other way round as well. If all you have seen of sex is hardcore porn, how do you consolidate that with what you are supposed to be doing, and even what your body is supposed to look like?
From the Editor of Just Music, a more personal look at music, football, tv, film and dining and anything else that takes our fancy
Thursday, 29 January 2015
Tuesday, 27 January 2015
Slipknot Live Review - Nottingham 26/1/15
No we didnt go, one of our Just Music readers did and sent us this..
This has never been about exclusion. Slipknot have always been such a divisive entity because people fear the unknown, and people fear power. Slipnkot's meteoric rise to being the biggest heavy metal band of this general has not come from watering down their anvil-heavy music to appeal to a wider market, it has been driven by a growing fan base of fierce loyalty. Slipknot's 'maggots' are a singular breed. Selling out the Nottingham's Capital FM Arena in minutes, those branded 'outsiders' have suddenly found themselves in their millions across the world, and part of a family. This has never been about exclusion.
After three years of much documented discord, from the passing of bassist a Paul Gray to the acrimonious departure of drummer Joey Jordison, Slipknot have never needed such loyal support more. And what a reward this was. A staggering three-tiered stage bedecked in lights and topped with a huge goat's head provided a visual spectacle backed with retina-searing pyrotechnics, there has never been. A more fitting accompaniment to 90 minutes filled with the primest of prime cuts from their enviable back catalogue.
Sarcastrophe and The Heretic Anthem provided an earth-shattering one-two punch to kick off proceedings, the nine masked members tearing through the songs with an inherent energy and violence. While championing material from latest release .5: The Gray Chapter, it's an effortless showcase dipping into every corner of their 15-year history. Opium Of The People provides a welcome curveball, while the likes of Dead Memories, Before I Forget and Duality are simply stunning to behold. These songs have been the soundtrack for the misunderstood youth, and to hear them in an arena surrounding added real, tangible weight.
It's not all flames, vitriol and ear-shattering volume. Taylor is renowned for his affable nature, and an unerring ability to treat every member of the sold-out arena as a long-lost friend. Affectionately labelling the city "Slipknottingham", every word and movement teased more from the throng of maggots.
At the main set's climax with the fabled Spit It Out, the floor customarily exploded, with Shaun 'Clown' Crahan dictating proceedings from high in the seated area. On his way back to the stage, security quickly ushered him down only for the masked percussionist to detour and pose for photographs with fans on the disabled gantry. This has never been about exclusion.
There's more though. Custer followed, easily standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest from their self-titled debut. Once Surfacing crowned a three-song encore to feverish delight, the kings of modern heavy metal had cemented their reign.
This has never been about exclusion. Slipknot have always been such a divisive entity because people fear the unknown, and people fear power. Slipnkot's meteoric rise to being the biggest heavy metal band of this general has not come from watering down their anvil-heavy music to appeal to a wider market, it has been driven by a growing fan base of fierce loyalty. Slipknot's 'maggots' are a singular breed. Selling out the Nottingham's Capital FM Arena in minutes, those branded 'outsiders' have suddenly found themselves in their millions across the world, and part of a family. This has never been about exclusion.
After three years of much documented discord, from the passing of bassist a Paul Gray to the acrimonious departure of drummer Joey Jordison, Slipknot have never needed such loyal support more. And what a reward this was. A staggering three-tiered stage bedecked in lights and topped with a huge goat's head provided a visual spectacle backed with retina-searing pyrotechnics, there has never been. A more fitting accompaniment to 90 minutes filled with the primest of prime cuts from their enviable back catalogue.
Sarcastrophe and The Heretic Anthem provided an earth-shattering one-two punch to kick off proceedings, the nine masked members tearing through the songs with an inherent energy and violence. While championing material from latest release .5: The Gray Chapter, it's an effortless showcase dipping into every corner of their 15-year history. Opium Of The People provides a welcome curveball, while the likes of Dead Memories, Before I Forget and Duality are simply stunning to behold. These songs have been the soundtrack for the misunderstood youth, and to hear them in an arena surrounding added real, tangible weight.
It's not all flames, vitriol and ear-shattering volume. Taylor is renowned for his affable nature, and an unerring ability to treat every member of the sold-out arena as a long-lost friend. Affectionately labelling the city "Slipknottingham", every word and movement teased more from the throng of maggots.
At the main set's climax with the fabled Spit It Out, the floor customarily exploded, with Shaun 'Clown' Crahan dictating proceedings from high in the seated area. On his way back to the stage, security quickly ushered him down only for the masked percussionist to detour and pose for photographs with fans on the disabled gantry. This has never been about exclusion.
There's more though. Custer followed, easily standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest from their self-titled debut. Once Surfacing crowned a three-song encore to feverish delight, the kings of modern heavy metal had cemented their reign.
Monday, 26 January 2015
The Castle 24 Challenge
Our good friend at Leeds Arena, Tony Watson and a couple of colleagues are embarking on a Charity challenge, we will be supporting them and hope you can too..
Tony takes up the story.."On Saturday, myself and two colleagues from the first direct arena in Leeds have been set a challenge to visit 24 castles in 24 hours, over 1000 miles, with the castles being chosen by our social media followers. This is raising funds for the homeless charity Simon on the Streets, visiting the UK’s most spectacular homes to raise funds for those that don’t have a home at all.
Its going to be tough as we need to maintain over 50mph for 24 hours including in central London and Cardiff.
The challenge is to get a photo with the castles in the background"
Ways you can help if you’d like to:
Donate at www.justgiving.com/Castle24
Keep tabs on their challenge through social media:
Facebook www.facebook.com/JKTCharityChallenge
Twitter www.twitter.com/JKTChallenge
and have a look via Youtube at an aerial view of the route. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLzCJHuvagU
The ETA’s at each castles are below
Bamburgh Castle 31/01/2015, Sunrise
Lindisfarne Castle 31/01/2015, 0739
Edinburgh Castle 31/01/2015, 0943
Lauriston Castle 31/01/2015, 0959
Blackness Castle 31/01/201,5 1037
Stirling Castle 31/01/2015, 1115
Carlisle Castle 31/01/2015, 1310
Penrith Castle 31/01/2015, 1339
Lancaster Castle 31/01/2015, 1451
Rhuddlan Castle 31/01/2015,1640
Bodelwyddan Castle 31/01/2015, 1655
Conway Castle, 31/01/2015, 1714
Penrhyn Castle, 31/01/2015,1740
Beamaris Castle, 31/01/2015, 1802
Caernarfon Castle 31/01/2015, 1832
Cricieth Castle 31/01/2015, 1921
Harlech Castle 31/01/2015, 1952
Cardiff Castle 31/01/2015, 2334
Caldicot Castle 01/02/2015, 0032
Donnington Castle, 01/02/2015 0158
Windsor Castle 01/02/2015, 0246
Tower of London 01/02/2015, 0330
Nottingham Castle 01/02/2015, 0600
Bolsover Castle, 01/02/2015 0656
Clifford Tower, York, 01/02/2015 Sunrise
Tony takes up the story.."On Saturday, myself and two colleagues from the first direct arena in Leeds have been set a challenge to visit 24 castles in 24 hours, over 1000 miles, with the castles being chosen by our social media followers. This is raising funds for the homeless charity Simon on the Streets, visiting the UK’s most spectacular homes to raise funds for those that don’t have a home at all.
Its going to be tough as we need to maintain over 50mph for 24 hours including in central London and Cardiff.
The challenge is to get a photo with the castles in the background"
Ways you can help if you’d like to:
Donate at www.justgiving.com/Castle24
Keep tabs on their challenge through social media:
Facebook www.facebook.com/JKTCharityChallenge
Twitter www.twitter.com/JKTChallenge
and have a look via Youtube at an aerial view of the route. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLzCJHuvagU
The ETA’s at each castles are below
Bamburgh Castle 31/01/2015, Sunrise
Lindisfarne Castle 31/01/2015, 0739
Edinburgh Castle 31/01/2015, 0943
Lauriston Castle 31/01/2015, 0959
Blackness Castle 31/01/201,5 1037
Stirling Castle 31/01/2015, 1115
Carlisle Castle 31/01/2015, 1310
Penrith Castle 31/01/2015, 1339
Lancaster Castle 31/01/2015, 1451
Rhuddlan Castle 31/01/2015,1640
Bodelwyddan Castle 31/01/2015, 1655
Conway Castle, 31/01/2015, 1714
Penrhyn Castle, 31/01/2015,1740
Beamaris Castle, 31/01/2015, 1802
Caernarfon Castle 31/01/2015, 1832
Cricieth Castle 31/01/2015, 1921
Harlech Castle 31/01/2015, 1952
Cardiff Castle 31/01/2015, 2334
Caldicot Castle 01/02/2015, 0032
Donnington Castle, 01/02/2015 0158
Windsor Castle 01/02/2015, 0246
Tower of London 01/02/2015, 0330
Nottingham Castle 01/02/2015, 0600
Bolsover Castle, 01/02/2015 0656
Clifford Tower, York, 01/02/2015 Sunrise
Wednesday, 21 January 2015
Rewind North Announces Full Lineup
This August, Rewind The 80s Music Festival comes to the North of England for the second consecutive year! "Rewind North" returns in full force in the beautiful surroundings ofCapethorne Hall, situated between Maccesfield and Wilmslow, Cheshire.
Tickets for Rewind North will go on sale at 9am on Friday 23rd January 2015. Full details about ticket outlets and prices are available from the official Rewind website:www.rewindfestival.com.
Now on to the lineup..
Tickets for Rewind North will go on sale at 9am on Friday 23rd January 2015. Full details about ticket outlets and prices are available from the official Rewind website:www.rewindfestival.com.
Now on to the lineup..
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Butlins Just For Tots Breaks
Having featured in our end of year awards, Butlins Just For Tots breaks are designed for families with children under 5. Everyday has been carefully created to fit in with your little ones routine including early dining times, ‘drop in’ style activity sessions and repeated entertainment schedules.
They’ll be star–struck at meeting their TV heroes, they’ll be beaming with pride at learning new things, hungry enough to eat up at mealtimes and exhausted enough by all the activity and fresh air.
There are a choice of glorious places to stay, including top TripAdvisor rated Shoreline Hotel, nutritious tasty meals designed just for Butlins by Annabel Karmel MBE and let’s not forget our relaxation spas and beauty treatments.
For the kids there very own showtime..There’s something really special about experiencing a live show. Seeing the ‘real thing’ is magical. For younger children it proves even more remarkable; they’ll literally be star – struck, and on a Butlins ‘just for tots’ break, character shows won’t cost you a penny more. In fact, all live entertainment is included.
We hope to bring you a first hand report later this year but for now, more info at
Monday, 12 January 2015
Morrissey announces Leeds show
Morrissey visit to the First Direct Arena announced in March
Fantastically, Morrissey has confirmed he’ll be visiting the first direct arena in Leeds on March 20th 2015. Yep, this March!
The singer released his highly acclaimed autobiography in October 2013, as you will recall we raved about that too, the man is the most distinctive pop lyricist of his era. The best- selling Penguin Classic sold 110, 000 in its first week and spent 5 weeks at No.
His long awaited album 'World Peace Is None Of Your Business' 4/5 in Just Music, marked his first solo release since 2009's ‘Years of Refusal.’ The album charted at number 2 in the UK, and is Morrissey’s 12th top ten UK album. With all twelve tracks produced by Joe Chiccarelli in France, the record is musically rich and his most worldly.
This tour follows his acclaimed sold out show at The O2, London last November.
As this is a Friday show we will have our usual sunscribers only Hotel rooms available, see the issue this Thursday.
Tickets for Morrissey’s visit to Leeds go on sale Friday 16th January at 10am and can be purchased by visiting www.firstdirectarena.com, calling 0844 248 1585 or by visiting the arena ticket office.
Fantastically, Morrissey has confirmed he’ll be visiting the first direct arena in Leeds on March 20th 2015. Yep, this March!
The singer released his highly acclaimed autobiography in October 2013, as you will recall we raved about that too, the man is the most distinctive pop lyricist of his era. The best- selling Penguin Classic sold 110, 000 in its first week and spent 5 weeks at No.
His long awaited album 'World Peace Is None Of Your Business' 4/5 in Just Music, marked his first solo release since 2009's ‘Years of Refusal.’ The album charted at number 2 in the UK, and is Morrissey’s 12th top ten UK album. With all twelve tracks produced by Joe Chiccarelli in France, the record is musically rich and his most worldly.
This tour follows his acclaimed sold out show at The O2, London last November.
As this is a Friday show we will have our usual sunscribers only Hotel rooms available, see the issue this Thursday.
Tickets for Morrissey’s visit to Leeds go on sale Friday 16th January at 10am and can be purchased by visiting www.firstdirectarena.com, calling 0844 248 1585 or by visiting the arena ticket office.
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