Pat & Cabbage

Tom Turner plays Cabbage's son Dylan.

Hi Tom. Please outline your character for us.

Dylan is 42 and is still living at home with his mum because he can't be bothered to earn a living. He'd much rather enjoy the creature comforts of home than have to fend himself. At one point he tries to move in with his girlfriend, but her place is too cold and has no plates, so he goes back to his mum's.

Two Christmases ago, he was supposed to move back in with his mum briefly, but he's still there! He is still not sure if he wants to settle down. He fights against a life of mortgages and commitment. He says, "Society thinks it's wrong for me to live at home at my age, but I don't care!"

What is his relationship like with his mother?

He's quite spoiled. He has is great sense of entitlement. He thinks it's fine that he is still living at home and that his mother enjoys him being around. She tells him, "Please leave", but if he did, he thinks she'd miss him. Even though it's mainly Dylan's fault, it's partly hers as well because she could easily tell him, "Get out!"

Why does she let him stay?

They're very, very fond of each other. It's really important that Dylan doesn't come across as a selfish, entitled brat who simply won't leave. But he has such nerve, and he makes no apologies for anything. Whatever he wants, he'll always try and get. He makes the most out of any situation and knows exactly how to do it. You might think he would be a bit of numpty, but his heart is in the right place. He's just been a bit spoilt.

Do you think Dylan's situation is quite common these days?

Yes. It's a generational thing. There was a time when you would be out on your ear and married at the age of 18. My father was. But there is not the same pressure to get married straightaway anymore, and because house prices are so high now and it's much more difficult to buy property, you end up staying with your parents much longer. 40 might be the new 30, but it's true that 42 might be pushing it a bit - after all, it's half your life! But Dylan simply refuses to grow up and take responsibility - and I know plenty of people like that!

Tell us about Dylan's girlfriend, Ida (played by Laura Solon)...

He has chosen a woman who he deliberately won't commit to but who has enough quirks to keep him interested for a while. Ida is a pathologist and she brings home refrigerated organ transplants in the back of the van. That's exciting for Dylan - at least until he gets bored and thinks, "Let's find someone else with another quirk now." He doesn't want someone who'll expect a level of commitment from him that he simply can't provide.

Please describe his relationship with Nicola to us.

They grew up together, and there is unresolved sexual tension between Nicola and him. They're like a cat and dog or Beatrice and Benedick. They know exactly how to wind each other up. They have a similar sense of humour and are on the same wavelength. Nicola likes Dylan more than she'd like to admit, while Dylan hasn't yet clocked how much he likes Nicola.

How does Dylan spend his time?

He is in a band called Buffalo Pouch. They're not doing particularly well.

What distinguishes Pat & Cabbage from other shows?

There are no other shows around like this. Pat & Cabbage have got a new lease of life. They prove that life is not over when you hit 60. This series is about beginning a new chapter when you reach a certain age rather than just settling down and taking your pension. It's about a different generation getting into iPods and new technology and vouchers and taking advantage of all the things that life has to offer. If you're 60 and don't have a husband anymore, it's not seen as pathetic to go on the pull. This show has completely captured the zeitgeist.

The older generation are becoming younger and younger. If you look at pictures of people my age from 40 years ago, they all had pipes and slippers. They slipped away and died before they were 60. Now there is a completely different outlook amongst older people because of new technology. The idea that you have to go down the pub to meet someone is gone. Now you could sit at home with your computer and have a thriving social life without moving from the sofa. Also, travel is much easier and cheaper these days - you can go to Barcelona for £80 at the drop of a hat. My parents thought it would never be possible to go to Australia. But the world has become much smaller. Now anything seems possible and
people are making the most of that. Why not? That is exactly what Cabbage and Pat are doing.

Have you found it working with Barbara Flynn and Cherie Lunghi?

It's been fantastic. They are both wonderful actresses. Cherie is just so gorgeous and sweet. She makes it look so easy. Barbara is extraordinarily instinctive. She knows exactly how to pitch every line.

Finally, have you had a good time making Pat & Cabbage?

Absolutely. Everyone has a great attitude. Because it's a comedy, there's a real sense of mischief in the air. We've been giggling all the time. We've ended up laughing our socks off. I've never been on a set where I've had such fun! We don't want the shoot to be over. It's too short!