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JOE McFADDEN ON HEARTBEAT
There's a definite feel of change in the air round Aidensfield Way when Heartbeat returns for its amazing 17th season. There's a new cop in town in the shape of PC Joe Mason played by Joe McFadden.We caught up with him recently to get the low down on what's coming up in the show.
Can you tell us about your character PC Joe Mason?
He’s new to the village and he’s always lived in the city. He arrives to police the place and shakes things up. He ruffles a few feathers in the village, as he has his own distinct way of policing. He really believes the end justifies the means and as long as he gets the result, as long as he puts the bad guys away, it doesn’t really matter how he goes about it. He clashes with Sergeant Miller as Miller is very much by the book, whereas Joe very much has his own way of doing things. He comes in and realises quite quickly he has to re-think his policing methods. He realises he has to make friends with people within the community and can’t do everything on his own. He’s naturally quite a loner. He’s had quite a troubled past, as his mother died when he was quite young and he’s gone on a one man crusade against crime ever since. However, he learns quite quickly that he can’t survive in a place like Aidensfield without relying on the other villagers, and using them as his eyes and ears.
You’ve starred in a variety of different dramas. This is a very different role for you. What attracted you to Heartbeat?
The fact that Heartbeat is so different is the reason I wanted to do it. It’s also nice playing a character that you can really get to know. I’ve done lots of things where I go in as a guest: you go in, do your bit, and then go away again. It’s really nice to do a long running series and to have the opportunity to get to grips with the character. It’s great because it’s like making a film every two weeks. It’s amazing that we get the whole hour’s episode done in two weeks. I like the fact you come in and are thrown in at the deep end.
How did you find joining such an established show like Heartbeat?
It was really exciting. Heartbeat has such a loyal following that you know you are guaranteed a massive audience each week. You do dramas and you don’t know how they will be received, but with this you know that people will be watching. It’s nice to know people will see the work you are doing. It’s also really great to join something that’s been running for so long, because a lot of people have been here since day one. It really is like joining a big family and joining a real community. I suppose it’s like the way Joe Mason feels going into the village. Heartbeat is such a well oiled machine, the production runs so smoothly. Everyone who works here is really good at what they do.
How do you think viewers will take to PC Joe Mason?
I hope they’ll warm to him and like him. I think it’s almost going back to the way it was when Nick Rowan (Nick Berry) was in the show, whereby he was the outsider and could see the village with a fresh pair of eyes. It might take people a while to get used to Joe Mason, but I hope eventually he’ll be part of the family.
You’ve had to learn to ride a motorcycle, has that been a bit of an adventure for you?
It’s been really difficult! Up until now I’ve had to have a stunt double for my riding scenes. For the last metre I get pushed in. It’s amazing how convincing it looks. I’m learning to ride now though, so I’ll be able to ride for real soon. I’m really enjoying it. I’m going to get my own motorbike once I’ve passed my test. North Yorkshire is the perfect place to have a bike.
Do you like it in Yorkshire?
I love Yorkshire. I filmed Sparkhouse in and around Hebden Bridge, so I got to know Yorkshire then. It’s quite similar to Scotland and the people are great. Everyone is really personable. Coming to Yorkshire feels like going home.
Have you or your family always been fans of Heartbeat?
My mother is a very loyal fan of the show and has watched Heartbeat since the beginning. I’ve got really vivid memories of sitting watching Heartbeat on a Sunday night with my family. I think that’s what’s really great about the show, as families can sit down and be entertained. There’s no risk of being embarrassed, and everyone can relax and enjoy it. I think it’s really important to have shows like that.
What have you enjoyed most about filming so far?
Lots of things, but one thing that has been really good is we’ve all gelled quickly. The cast and crew get on really well and we’ve had some great nights out in Goathland.
What might viewers have seen you in before?
The Crow Road is a personal favourite. It was my biggest job and people still remember it even though it was 10 years ago. Sex, Chips and Rock ‘n’ Roll was another great series, and I really enjoyed Sparkhouse. I’m lucky to have done some really nice jobs.
Heartbeat / Sundays @ 8.00pm on the ITV1 Network from 11 November.
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