Daniel Roche interview
Outnumbered star Daniel Roche talks about being picked to play Just William...
What did you feel when you heard that you'd got the part of William Brown?
"Wahooooooo! I had never wanted a role more than I wanted William."
Were you already familiar with the books?
"Yes, when I was younger I used to listen to the audiotapes, read by Martin Jarvis, before I went to sleep at night. At one time he was my hero and I really wanted to be him."
Do you think children today can associate with Just William?
"Definitely - I think it is timeless. Most of my friends were very excited when they found out I was to be William because they all love his stories. I think a lot of children would love to have the freedom that William and the Outlaws have, being able to play in the woods, building dens, climbing trees..."
What do you like about William?
"Everything. I love his boldness and the fact that he hates injustice and really believes what he is doing is right - even if it isn't."
What do you dislike about William?
"I can't think of anything."
The series is set in the Fifties - was it hard pretending to live such a long time ago and what did you like about it?
"It wasn't difficult as the sets and props were so brilliant. Walking into William's house was like going back in time. William's bedroom was full of cool stuff from that time as well as animal skulls and old books and comics. I could have spent hours in there."
What was the best part of making Just William?
"All of it. All the cast and crew were brilliant. I got to do things that I haven't before. I did a fight scene and learnt how to do a couple of stunts and I got to spend lots of time with animals - especially the dogs."
Do you think you are similar to William?
"No, as much as I'd like to be. We probably both have lots to say but he is much naughtier than me. I try not to misbehave even if I can't help it sometimes."
A lot of people have said you were perfect casting for the role. Do you think there are similarities between Ben in Outnumbered, and William in Just William?
"Well, they are both thought of as bad boys but I don't think that really. Ben is just very inquisitive and loves knowledge of how things work, etc, but generally gets into trouble for it. William doesn't suffer injustices - if he feels that something is wrong he will do anything he can to make it right."