Arabella Weir interview
Arabella Weir plays Beth in Two Doors Down.
So what is Two Doors Down all about?
It's an incredibly traditional set-up with an original twist. It's all about three sets of neighbours who live in the one street which is kind of an 'every street' - it could be anywhere in Britain. It's a place where people live on top of one another and perhaps take liberties at times - certainly in Christine's [Elaine C Smith] case!
One of the main differences about Two Doors Down is that it has three very strong middle-aged women with very different personalities, as well as Sharon Rooney as Christine's daughter, Sophie. That makes it wonderfully different.
How would you describe your character, Beth?
Beth is the sort of 'mum' to everyone in her street. She's the organiser, the one who'll mend things, smooth things over, keep her cool - well, most of the time.
Beth wears leggings all the time and her slippers, which pretty much sums up everything you need to know about her. My posh granny, my 'Melrose Granny', would never have dreamed of going out looking like Beth. She had her hair set once a week and she would never answer her door in her pinnie. Beth doesn't think like that. She's all about being comfortable.
Truth be told, although Beth would probably like a break from the day-to-day, she's not about to ask for one. But she wouldn't mind if people backed off... sometimes.
What's her relationship with husband Eric like?
Beth and Eric are put-upon together. She's dependent on Eric and clearly wants him around, she'd certainly never dream of saying "shut up Eric". They have quite a sweet marriage really. Eric would probably like more sex, but then most men would - and Beth's not having any of it quite frankly. She's got leggings on after all - she can't be doing that.
What is her family situation like?
She has one son, Ian, and she's not in the slightest bit bothered by the fact that he's gay. Why would she be? There are no jokes made about Ian's sexuality in Two Doors Down, which is refreshing. Historically, jokes were targeted at gay characters in comedies but Two Doors Down doesn't do that.
I suspect Beth's got brothers and sisters, she's too long-suffering to have been an only child.
How does she feel about her neighbours?
I think she'd be lost without them and probably quite enjoys having a cross to bear with them at her door all the time. I think she secretly loves the fact that her neighbours all need her. She wouldn't swap them for 'mind your own business' neighbours.
Who's the better neighbour - Christine or Cathy?
I'd choose Christine over Cathy any day! At least with Christine you know where you stand. With Cathy, you'd set yourself on fire and she'd still not take the hint to leave your house. However, despite their flaws, the liveliness of living next to people like that is far preferable to neighbours who don't talk to each other.
What was it like returning to Scotland for the shoot?
I was born in America but both my parents were Scottish and were both very patriotic. All our holidays were in Scotland so coming back always feels like home.
Any memorable moments from filming?
All of it was really good fun. There were many days when we'd all just collapse with laughter and have to start all over again. I was incredibly amused by Elaine C Smith suddenly bursting into Scottish song on set. Elaine's energy is very infectious.
Another unforgettable highlight was going wild swimming at Loch Lomond with Doon, Jamie and Harki. My grandfather used to break the ice to swim every day, so our wild swimming wasn't that cold in comparison. I guess that's the 'Scottishness' coming out in me that it wouldn't cross my mind not to go wild swimming in Loch Lomond in August. I could almost hear my granny saying "you get in there you big Jessie".
Elaine C Smith is a new addition to the cast, what was it like filming with her?
Well she's a legend, she's truly terrific. The older you get the more you notice people taking the, "oh I can't be bothered" approach, but what's great about both Elaine and Doon is the amount of teenage energy they have. They're both incredibly hard-working and totally on it.
You can never know how any TV series is going to work out but a good sign is seeing the cast and crew all enjoying filming Two Doors Down - we all got a sense that we were truly making something special.
Finally, do you think it's true everybody needs good neighbours - or is it more the case that you can choose your friends but not your neighbours?
Good neighbours are unbelievably vital, so I would say they are more important, in a way, than friends. If you've got a crazy neighbour that will impact on you hugely. Friends you can get rid of but if you're next door to someone you don't like you're stuck with them.