Series 3 cast interview
The Job Lot cast talk about Series 3 and what's in store for their characters.
Russell Tovey: Karl
Are you pleased to be back?
I'm really pleased to be back, it's such a great series to work on and we all get on so well - cast and crew.
What can we expect in Series 3?
Viewers are in for a treat in Series 3 - to keep it simple, expect genius comedy and characters.
Karl and Natalie became a couple at the end of Series 2, do we see this explored in Series 3?
Absolutely - the writers really focus on Karl and Natalie's relationship for the third series. We now find them working together and sleeping together.
Do you think Karl should be with Natalie or Trish?
Natalie for sure! Trish is insane.
Any guest stars for Series 3?
We have some cracking guest stars appearing in the new series. Maureen Lipman, John Thomson and Will Mellor to name a few - they all play some brilliant characters that interact with the regular cast.
Laura Aikman: Natalie
Are you pleased to be back?
I'm absolutely thrilled to be back, I love working on this show.
What can we expect in Series 3?
Viewers can expect lots in the new series. Karl and Natalie are now a couple and figuring out their relationship in their private lives...and at work! Natalie is dealing with Trish, who is convinced Natalie is her best friend not just work colleague. She also has to go on a trip with Angela and we all know the two of them hate each other!
Karl and Natalie became a couple at the end of Series 2, do we see this explored in Series 3?
Oh yes! We also get many insights into their sex life.
Are Trish and Natalie still 'office sisters'?
According to Natalie or Trish?! They continue to get on...Trish even offers Natalie her Mooncup in Episode 1!
You say Natalie and Angela go away on a business trip in the new series?
They certainly do and it all ends horribly of course. Angela becomes a rock star in the job centre world and it goes to her head. Natalie then has to deal with this new Angela who is twice as worse as she normally is.
Any guest stars in the new series?
Lots! Will Mellor plays a fellow job centre worker. Maureen Lipman joins us and she's brilliant. Sophie di Martino has a guest role and we worked together in Casualty so it was lovely to catch up. My pal John Thomson also guest stars and he's absolutely fantastic and brilliant as always.
What's next for you?
I have a play lined up for later in the year.
Jo Enright: Trish
Are you pleased to be back?
I'm very pleased to be back. It's always great when a comedy series gets the opportunity to 'bed' in with more than one series. It gives the audience a chance to get to know the characters and it gives the actor a chance to really develop the work and grow in confidence with their performance.
What can we expect in Series 3?
Series 3 is a fast paced show. We have a new cast member (Ash, played by Nick Mohammed) who is the work psychologist at the Job Centre and he's absolutely hilarious. There are some slightly serious themes too bringing a sense of sensitivity and depth to the work which in my opinion, makes the best comedy.
Tell us more about Angela this series?
There are some revelations about Angela's life! Let's just say there are some very shifty circumstances surrounding Angela's mother's pension money. Is Angela committing benefit fraud? All will be revealed. Also an old friend brings back memories Angela would rather forget. If you thought Angela was dark in Series 2, things get a whole lot darker in this series!
How long does it take in hair/make/costume to get into character?
It takes about one hour to do hair and make up for Angela. In real life, I have very long hair which has to be pinned up and twisted tight to fit under the hideous wig.
Does Angela still dislike Trish and Natalie in the new series?
Oh yes, most definitely. There is no love flowing between Trish and Angela or Natalie and Angela.
If Angela didn't have to see either of them I think she'd be very content. She exerts the least amount of effort to get what she wants from them.
Any guest stars for Series 3?
The wonderful Maureen Lipman joins us for an episode in this series. She is Angela's old work colleague, a real blast from the past for her. Let's just say Angela wants to make sure she doesn't stay around too long.
What's coming up next for you?
I've just filmed an episode of Alan Davies As Yet Untitled for the Dave channel which will be out in the Autumn. I am also on tour with my own solo stand-up show called Erdington Girl.
Angela Curran: Jeanette
Are you pleased to be back?
Yes, I am absolutely thrilled to be back in Series 3. I have enjoyed this series the most. I think that's because we all know each other so well now and of course the scripts were brilliant, it's all been so much fun.
What can we expect in Series 3?
There are lots of hilarious shenanigans combined with some very dramatic plots, fires, hostage taking, marital breakdown, with Jeanette in the thick of it (or wanting to be).
Jeanette played the job centre boss in Series 2 for a episode, does she get into any more adventures/mishaps in new series?
Jeanette, whilst well meaning, seems to interfere in other people's relationships in this series and usually gets it all wrong. This all makes for very amusing scenes.
Any guest stars for Series 3?
We have some wonderful guest stars in the new series, it's all been very exciting for us. Maureen Lipman guests in the last episode and John Thomson plays a cowboy in the third episode!
What's next for you?
I am going to be playing the Housekeeper in ITV Encore's upcoming drama Houdini and Doyle and also have some theatre work lined up in the New Year.
Martin Marquez: Paul
Are you pleased to be back?
I was so pleased when I heard The Job Lot would return for a third series. I couldn't wait to get working on the show again and read the new scripts. When we eventually started filming it was even more fun than I remembered it to be.
What can we expect in Series 3?
Series 3 is going to be even funnier and with bigger storylines. The scripts are sharp and the best yet.
Anything else happening to Paul in Series 3?
Paul has been kicked out the house by his wife Yvette and so has had to make other sleeping arrangements, which involves Trish! Paul knows he will be let back in eventually but she needs to cool off.
What's next for you?
I'm going to be in Husbands and Sons at the National Theatre until February 2016.
Sophie McShera: Bryony
Are you pleased to be back?
I'm so pleased to be back with The Job Lot, it's such a brilliant show to be a part of. I love working with all the cast and crew and I absolutely adore playing Bryony.
What can we expect in Series 3?
Series 3 is a good one for Bryony, I don't want to give too much away but there's a baby, a dead rabbit and a possible threesome.
Is Bryony still wearing her fake UGGs and tracksuit?
I absolutely love my Bryony costumes! This year, Bryony comes in to a bit of money (via stolen goods) and her look reaches a whole new level. I got jewelled UGG boots, a huge hairpiece and everything. I had good fun shopping with the costume department for this look!
Do you think Bryony will ever find full time employment?
I hope not or I would be out of a job!
What's next for you?
Right now I'm coming towards the end of filming the final series of Downton Abbey...
Nick Mohammed: Ash
Are you pleased to be joining The Job Lot as Ash?
I was absolutely delighted to join The Job Lot gang. I was a big fan of the first two series (in fact I think I may have auditioned for a part in Series 1 but it didn't work out!) so it was wonderful justice to find out I'd be joining them for this latest series.
Tell us about Ash?
Ash is a bit of an idiot really. He means well though. He studied psychology and is now the resident job centre psychologist. He doesn't really know how to administer his various theories and practises but it doesn't stop him trying! Often with disastrous results for the staff and jobseekers alike.
Who would you say Ash gets on best with in the office?
Him and Karl get on very well. Bizarrely, I think he really looks up to Karl.
Does Ash encounter the wrath of Angela at all in the new series?
Oh yes! I don't think there's anyone in the centre who doesn't encounter the wrath of Angela at some point this series.
What's coming up next for you?
I'm currently writing a sitcom for Channel 4 with Julia Davis about morning television [Morning Has Broken]. I'm also writing a children's book about the Magic Circle.