The Cleaner

Extremely pompous and important author Terence Redford is trying to write his latest masterpiece but is finding it difficult to concentrate - partly because of writer's block and partly because his grandmother has recently burnt to death in his living room.

Extremely pompous and important author Terence Redford is trying to write his latest masterpiece but is finding it difficult to concentrate: partly because of writer's block, and partly because his grandmother has recently burnt to death in his living room. Professional crime scene cleaner Wicky arrives to clean up and attempts to give Terrence a sense of perspective.

David Mitchell interview

Tell us a bit about your character in The Cleaner and what attracted you that the role?

I play an irascible and self-involved writer apparently oblivious to the gory family tragedy that just happened in his living room. When I read the script, the character's lines really leapt off the page as immediately funny and speakable. That's extremely rare, so I was immediately keen to be paid to say them on TV.

What was the most enjoyable part of filming for you?

Breakfast. On location filming shoots, there's always a fried breakfast available at the start of the day and, having not done any location filming for ages because of Covid, I felt justified in really tucking in. The whole experience of filming a funny script in a house for a few days was such a lovely return to pre-pandemic life all round. We were shooting in April and it was one of the first things that made me believe that life really could get back to normal.

How was it working with Greg Davies?

Excellent all round. He's an extremely funny and talented man, but also really good company. I was really chuffed that he wanted me involved with the project.

If you ever met a real crime scene cleaner what would you ask them?

What's the best way of getting blood splatter off a tapestry seat cover.