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(And, of course, one of the four Diamond Dogs.)
This is embarrassing, but I didnt realize until about a week ago that you played Spratt onDownton Abbey.
Your physicality for both characters is so distinctive.Very true.
With Spratt, I had this waistcoat that was like a corset, really.
I was kind of starched for breath and it bled into the character.
Because everything was so tight.
It was practically like wood.
You have to screw-in some buttons into the coat.
They both work with formidable women.
They just wanted me for one episode, and they just kept bringing Spratt back.
They echo their characteristics.Spratt, like Dame Maggies character, was pushy and about no bullshit.
I dont remember Spratt ever smiling.
Higgins radiates sunshine.See, I love that, because I love characters.
Thats what I love to do.
Whos the more iconic boss: The Dowager Countess or Rebecca?Oh, wow.
Weve only had two seasons ofTed Lasso, so give Rebecca a chance.
But shes not just formidable.
The Dowager Countess measures everything out and shes a towering family figure who problem-solves for everyone.
Thats a great characteristic to give her.
Shes not just a twitchy, negative character.
Shes somebody who processes stuff and leads the family to a better place.
Rebecca will do that as well.
Shes finally won over by Ted, as are other characters, including Higgins.
Shell get there and sort everything out.
Now Im dream-casting who Maggie should play inTed Lassos third season.Teds granny, maybe?
She can debut a new accent.
Walk me through the day you found out about your Emmy nomination.
That is such a wonderful accomplishment!Eventually I did celebrate in a few ways.
But for the actual day, my manager called to tell me.
I wasnt really in the running otherwise.
I never expect to be nominated for anything at all.
I was a bit teary, then baffled, then tired, all in about two seconds.
Did you still get your concert tickets?I wanted to go to theBBC Promsat Royal Albert Hall.
I make a run at go every year and see something a little bit modern or a premiere piece.
Mark-Anthony Turnage, somebody like that, or a 20th-century composer.
Emmys, Emmys, Emmys!
Who is this new Higgins were seeing?Hes somebody whos finally empowered and trusted.
It had such a negative effect and built up such a rage in Rebecca.
Hes in a really empowered place now.
Weve seen, at home, that hes loved and respected by his wife and children.
Thats possible for him, but it just hasnt been possible in the workplace.
That happens to a lot of people, though.
Hes the Higgins at work that hes always wanted to be, absolutely.
He can be the person that he is at home: advisory, a mentor, a listener.
Be involved in some important decisions.
Make strange sounds at the back of his throat.
Do some strange physical comedy.
Thats why I love the Christmas episode.
Whats changed in him?
How did he get so popular now?Ted has bonded him with the team.
All of the men were in the woods together making that bonfire and burning stuff.
That was a big bonding thing with the team and it evolved from there.
Its really surprising and touching to him when he has a houseful of guests.
They go, Ha, okay, thanks Jeremy,and theyll come up with something much better.
Higgins was kind of a pimp.
Does his wife know about that?
We dont quite know.
I think within himself, though, hes not a dark guy.
Thats some very specific imagery.That would begreat.Maybe season seven.
They provide such a nice balance.
Does he have a really angry wife just lurking outside the grounds and yelling at him all the time?
Then they brought in my actual wife, Mary Roscoe, who plays my TV wife.
When I got the episode I totally got it.
I planted a seed and they went in a much smarter way with it.
Should I assume you suggested that Mary play your wife?I didnt, actually.
I couldve lied and said I did, but Ill be honest with you.
Her characters name was Old Lady.
So, yes, she didnt get that one, but she read for a few other parts.
Interesting question, yes.We met on a job decades ago.
And he told me hed love to give her the role of Higginss wife.
A depressed, unemployed Higgins playing the bass in season one was one of my favorite moments.
Do you actually know how to play?It was me playing, yes.
Ive had lessons for five years on the bass now.
That came about because I told Jason Sudeikis that I played the bass.
We were bantering during a lunch hour and he said, What happens when he retires?
Maybe he goes away for a bit.
So I told him that I love jazz and play the double bass quite well.
So thats how the scene ended up there.
They really amped it up.
He told me to make some loud jazz sounds.
But if Ihadto, it would be Middlesbrough, because Im from the northwest of England.
Second choice, Liverpool, because its a nice city.
But Im stressed to care.
Okay, I refuse to end with such a football-negative comment.
Oh my God, youre kidding.I said the wrong thing, didnt I?
Not at all, youre talking to a megafan here.
They are mywholelife and have been for 50 years.
Ive seen them several times back in the day.
Eddie Jobson has given us the greatest electric-violin solos of all time.
Next time youve got to insist on interviewing me so we can just talk about Roxy, okay?
