Christine Mackie Interview

Is this your first time to Letherbridge? How did you find it?

This was the third Doctors for me - although the first time in Police Custody! It was as I'd remembered - an extremely welcoming and positive experience.

What can you tell us a little about the character you play? Did you enjoy it?

Penelope is not as she first appears, to say the least. She is a very respectable woman, happily married and well thought of in the community. When we first meet her I hope that the audience will share her concern for her missing husband. I thoroughly enjoyed playing her.Over one single episode she certainly has quite a journey and I really hope that the audience are surprised at the ending!

Which of our actors did you work with, and what were they like?

I worked with Chris Walker and unlike the previous episodes there were no medical issues central to the story. Chris was great fun and I think enjoyed the unusual storyline. As often happens on screen or in the theatre the more serious a story is the more you laugh and despite the rather dark side to the story we all had a very jolly couple of days. I think this included our director Shani and the crew. We also filmed in a remarkable house and then on set for the police scenes.

What’s the best thing about visiting Birmingham?

When I'm Birmingham I usually try to see a show at the Rep if I can but this time we had a very long first day of filming. However I managed to see my godson, who's in his third year at Birmingham Conservatoire which was a treat.

You play the ‘go to’ Doctor on Coronation Street, has anyone stopped you to ask to diagnose an ailment?

Ha! Dr Gaddas. She is recognised and people want to know who I'll be seeing next. I feel rather like a locum now as I've been popping in and out since 2014. Recent episodes with Jane Danson were fun as first we worked together over twenty years ago on The Grand. The most impressive thing for me as a visiting actor is always the welcome from the regulars and crew who want you to feel really at home and comfortable.

What is your overriding memory of working on Doctors? Is it something you’d do again? Any gossip?

Well, when this episode is aired you'll know pretty clearly what the biggest memory is! But getting ready for the 'flashback' scene at the end of day one was a hoot. I had three make-up artists doing my hair, my face and rubbing baby lotion onto my legs... That doesn't happen to Dr Gaddas!

Final question: Doctors or Nurses?

Doctors of course.