Havers makes smooth TV return

Havers makes smooth TV return

By Michael Osborn
BBC News Online

Manchild follows the antics of a group of single middle-aged men

Actor Nigel Havers says life could not be better, as he prepares for a second series of BBC Two's Manchild.

Nigel Havers is best known for playing the quintessential, old school Englishman with his dashing good looks, cut-glass accent and thoroughly charming manner.

Havers has twice played well-mannered doctors on the small screen - in gentle 80s sitcom Don't Wait Up and Dangerfield - and even as a lothario in The Charmer he was an astonishingly polite lady killer.

The actor is about to reprise his role in BBC Two's Manchild, a comedy about a group of men advancing into middle age - a fitting challenge for 53-year-old Havers.

He plays Terry, a divorced stockbroker reaping the rewards of his success with fast cars and even faster women.

Like his Manchild alter-ego Terry, this dashing actor shows a few real-life signs of moving away from his reputation for being flawlessly charming - growing old disgracefully with a splash of character.

"The idea for Manchild came from writer Nick Fisher, who read an article which showed the only wallies who could drive a certain type of Jaguar were sad 50-year-old men," says Havers.

"It's essentially about funny characters in funny situations. When the first series came out, the critics got it wrong and thought it was serious. We set ourselves up to have the mickey taken out of us all the time."

'Perfect' job

The star reunited for a second helping with his fellow menchildren, actors Don Warrington, Ray Burdis and Anthony Head, because the chemistry was right, he says.

"We're the same age group, but we got lucky and really enjoy one another's company. I'd have dreaded doing another series if we hadn't got on."

Havers says he is unconcerned by ratings

Havers says it has been the "perfect" job, filmed in the summer with fringe benefits added via his lady-chasing role.

"What could be nicer than getting up in the morning, going to work and getting into bed with a gorgeous 26-year-old girl? Tell me what's wrong with that?"

The second series of Manchild is staying with its established audience on BBC Two, and is not making the move to BBC One.

Havers, though, has little regard for where the show is broadcast or the bugbears of ratings and critics.

"I don't mind where it goes out to be honest. I don't believe in ratings. Give me the real figures. I rang up one critic to tell him he'd missed the point of Manchild when it first started," he adds.

Manchild begins on 25 February at 2200 GMT on BBC Two.