View from my sofa: Ashley Jensen

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As a dedicated cinephile with a penchant for comfortable chaos, I can wholeheartedly endorse adding Shetland to your watchlist. My days are often filled with the gentle hum of the television, the soft purrs of my furry companions, and an ever-present reminder that it’s high time I vacuumed (their shedding is relentless!).

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What’s the view from your sofa?

In our home, the TV coexists with an abundance of dog fur and a floor so muddy it frequently prompts thoughts like, “It’s high time for vacuuming…” Indeed, our canine friends shed profusely.

What have you enjoyed watching lately?

1) I really took a liking to Colin in Accounts. The initial season was incredibly refreshing, but wow, the second season really ramped up, and the last few episodes were truly captivating. Contrary to what I’d say, I usually don’t enjoy reality TV, yet as I grow older, shows like Celebrity SAS, The Voice, and Gogglebox are becoming my preferred choices for relaxation – my go-to comfort television.

Who controls the remote in your house?

As a parent, I find myself struggling to navigate the endless options on the remote these days, compared to the simpler times when just four channels ruled the airwaves.

Do you have any TV turn-offs?

The bickering in The Real Housewives is a wee bit mind-numbing. I find shows like Married at First Sight and Naked Attraction a bit dirty, a bit shameful. I mean, what is your mother thinking?

When did you realise you wanted to act?

For all eternity, as a youngster, I’d play pretend, taking on the roles of Terry Wogan, Miss Piggy, Kermit, and Frank Spencer for a make-believe radio broadcast. Perhaps it was due to being an only child that I found solace in this imaginary world. It seemed unlikely that I would ever achieve success, given my humble beginnings in Annan, a tiny agricultural town located in the southwest of Scotland. Neither acting nor professional theater were part of my family’s history, and no touring companies ever graced our town with their presence.

What route did you take into acting?

At around 16, I became a part of the National Youth Theatre in London, and my mother was initially skeptical, believing it might dampen my enthusiasm for acting. However, it only fueled my passion further. Fortunate enough to be accepted into Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, I embarked on my drama studies and began at the most entry-level positions, participating in touring theatre shows from a van. Unlike some who experience a swift ascent, my career progression was gradual – a blessing since sudden success can be challenging for young individuals to handle.

Are there better roles for older women these days?

I firmly believe this to be true: We’re nearing the final frontier of societal norms. At 55 years old, I embrace my role as an older woman who proudly embraces her age. There’s a sense of duty among us older women to declare, “This is who I am.” I make no judgments about others, but I aspire to be laid to rest with the face that nature gave me at birth.

How did you feel when you were offered the part of DI Ruth Calder in Shetland?

Primarily recognized for my work in comedy, shows like “Extras,” “Ugly Betty,” “Nativity,” and “After Life” have significantly contributed to my fame. However, I find serious dramas equally captivating, as demonstrated by my role in “Mayflies.” The unexpected offer from “Shetland” was irresistible for me. While there may be dedicated followers of DI Perez (previously portrayed by Douglas Henshall), I approached the show with fresh eyes since I hadn’t watched it until I joined the cast!

Had you been to Shetland before?

Occasionally, the stunning scenery left me speechless. This hardly ever happens. Filming the latest season was challenging due to the extreme cold – I’d return home each day exhausted and alone. For the first three episodes, I didn’t know who the killer was, so I’d often wake up in the middle of the night, trying to crack the case. However, on weekends we’d have cast and crew social outings, which helped foster camaraderie among us.

The opening scene of the new series is brilliant, especially when Calder says, “Working for the Met isn’t anything to shout about these days, is it?”

It’s enjoyable for me to portray characters who speak directly, as I share that trait myself. Unlike her, I prefer being around people more than being alone. If I ran into Calder at a pub, I might feel a bit intimidated by her, but I’d want her to be my friend. Having her on my side would be appealing to me.

Will you be doing another season?

Absolutely! My initial season had impressive viewership numbers, leading to the commission of two more series, numbered nine and ten. This was quite encouraging. However, I’m considering venturing into comedy for a change, as it would help me rediscover my comedic side.

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2024-10-31 17:09