Am I Being Unreasonable? favourites Lenny Rush and Selin Hizli talk BAFTA nominations, Slow Horses, and creating comedy

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Lenny Rush

Star of Am I Being Unreasonable? Nominated for actor in a comedy

Congratulations on being nominated for a BAFTA again! This must feel familiar, considering you won for the first series. What do you remember about that winning night?

I was really surprised to win, I honestly wasn’t expecting it. The competition was tough this year, and just being nominated with such talented people is amazing.

What’s changed for you personally between filming series one and two?

Suddenly, people began calling my name – “Lenny!” – and I wondered who they were. It felt strange at first, but now I really enjoy it. When I went on vacation with my family, some of them hadn’t heard it before and thought it was a little unusual.

What’s it like on the set of Am I Being Unreasonable?, with the writers also acting?

I’ve never worked a job that required so much thinking on my feet. I believe it actually makes the comedy better, because you can feel the energy of something happening in the moment.

Are they happy for you to change your own lines?

It seems like they’re trying to be funny, and I believe they are. Honestly, if I’m not adding to the humor, I’d prefer they let me know.

You’ve also acted in dramatic roles, like in ‘A Woman of Substance’ and the upcoming season of ‘Slow Horses.’ How does that compare to working on comedies?

It feels similar in tone, though even a dramatic show like Slow Horses includes humor. I naturally gravitate towards comedy, but I’m eager to explore different genres and be versatile in my work – I’d like to be able to handle any kind of role.

Selin Hizli

She co-created, wrote, and starred in the show Am I Being Unreasonable? and also stars in Things You Should Have Done, which has been nominated for a best scripted comedy award.

You’ve appeared in two comedies nominated for BAFTAs this year: Am I Being Unreasonable? and Things You Should Have Done. What do these shows have in common?

I think they both bring a unique, clear voice that has not really been heard before.

What drew you to them?

Everything felt fresh and I was thrilled to be involved. My co-creator, co-writer, and co-star, Daisy May Cooper, and I see the show as a story about friendship and connection. It really grew out of our shared experience of being at home with kids during lockdown, and we wanted to capture the genuine feeling of our friendship on screen.

How does the writing process with Daisy work?

Even though Daisy and I live far apart, we always start by catching up. Then we often get stuck, putting things off, but eventually, ideas start flowing. I usually work at the computer, suggesting things we can’t say, while Daisy insists we absolutely can. She paces back and forth as we brainstorm.

Do you change things on the fly while you’re filming?

The first season felt very spontaneous, as we were still figuring things out. We both have a good sense of what works, so we’re flexible and don’t get too attached to specific lines.

Now you’re a writer/actor, do you still enjoy “just” acting?

That’s how I prefer to work. I enjoy being directed – simply being told where to be, what to wear, and what lines to deliver. As an actor, it’s freeing to not have to make any decisions – it’s almost like being a kid again.

Authors

Caroline Frost

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2026-05-04 19:52