Susie Blake interview
Susie Blake plays Lauren's mum Emma...
What drew you towards You, Me & Them?
At my age, it's lovely to be part of an extended family where everybody gets a look-in. The characters and their relationships with each other are so well established in this show. I feel very blessed.
Tell us about your character...
Emma is very happy. She has married above herself and feels she has achieved what she wanted in life. She's got two gorgeous daughters and feels very safe and respectable. But she is also keeping a secret, which will be revealed in this series.
What is her relationship like with her daughters?
Because of this secret, it's not as in-depth as it should be. My relationship with my own son is incredibly close. It's very honest - we can put the world to rights in a few minutes. But Emma has quite superficial relationships with all her family. For instance, even though, she married above herself and adores her husband, she still reckons she's brighter than him and constantly puts him down.
How would you characterise Emma's relationship with her grandchildren?
She doesn't have a particularly strong relationship with them. She probably doesn't give them enough presents! She is also quite reserved. She doesn't crawl around on the floor playing games with them. Her grandchildren see her as an old person - and not in a good way. Whereas in real life, I hope my own grandchildren have a positive role model in me.
How would you describe the relationship between Lauren and Ed?
It's terrific. At first Lauren says to Ed, "I wish you were 25 years younger", but she soon realises that he's the best boyfriend she's ever had. She has to acknowledge that she's very happy with him. Youngsters always think they know best, but they come to their senses with help from their elders!
Does the relationship between Ed and Lauren mirror reality?
Yes. Things have shifted. There is much more mixing between the generations nowadays. My mother's cousin is only four years older than me. People are getting married at different ages and making a go of it. It's happening all the time now - and this sitcom reflects it.
How have you found it working with Jeff Rawle, who plays Emma's husband, Clive?
It's been marvellous. We share a history and have so many things in common. We were at the same drama school, and this is now our fourth job together. We think alike and both know all the Beatles songs!
What are you up to next?
I'm in a touring production of Grumpy Old Women. It's tremendous fun - like being in the kitchen with a load of girlfriends. It generates a wonderful, warm feeling- like eating a delicious bowl of porridge!
Finally, would you be keen to make a third series of You, Me & Them?
Absolutely! Working on this project, we're all on the same page - this arrow fires straight. It's brilliantly written and really well cast. It's a marriage made in heaven!