That Gaby Roslin Podcast: Reasons To Be Joyful - Lenny Rush (with Lisa Rush)

Episode Date: September 5, 2023

Doctor Who star, Lenny Rush (and Mum Lisa) join Gaby Roslin for a natter about his incredible acting career and what brings him joy.At just 14 years old, he has already won a BAFTA, acted alongside Sharon Horgan, Michael Sheen, Christopher Eccleston to name just a few - AND - is now shooting the new series of Doctor Who. His acting credits include 'Am I Being Unreasonable', 'Best Interests' and 'Dodger' - and he discusses all these, and more, in our episode. Lenny has Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a condition which affects his growth, resulting in dwarfism. He talks to Gaby about the challenges he has faced, and overcome, and how the support of his family has enabled him to have the success he has, at such a young age. Lenny and Lisa are pure joy - and great gigglers! - we hope you enjoy our chat... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lenny Rush and mum Lisa, can I say 100% you personally, Lenny, and I'm sure you are too, Lisa. But Lenny, you are a reason to be joyful. Thank you. Thanks so much. Well, this has been pretty crazy, hasn't it, the past, well, nearly a year. Is it only eight? So when did you start doing Dodger? That's when you and I first sort of met each other through Dodger.

When did you start that? Well, so the actual first series come out last year in February, so 2022 in February, but the three specials is when I met you over Zoom. Yes, I know. For this morning live. Yeah. And Lisa, can we go all the way back? All right.

So let's go all the way back. It's not that many years for you, Lenny. But for you, Lisa, who was it that said act? Was it mum going, right, you know what? I think you should act. Or was it Lenny saying, Mom, I want to act. Which came first, chicken or egg?

We signed up for, it was like a documentary series. And it goes out on like a children's channel. Yeah, so it's made for other children to see how other families. Some of them are unique. You might have some families that have got two moms or a stepmom and a dad or two dads. Or I think they did one with a child that had Down syndrome. One of the children had Down syndrome. One without the mum.

Yeah, without the mum. There was just the dad. and mum had sadly passed away, I just thought it would be amazing for other people to see our dynamic. And obviously we are slightly different from other families in that we've got Lenny, who's our eldest child, but then we've got Bobby, who's a lot taller than Lenny, but he's our youngest child.

And it was about how that works for us and showing other people that actually we do everything that you do. We just might do it a slightly different way. Yeah, so yeah. And we got through to that, and they signed us up for that. And Lenny just was a natural in front of the camera, and I think he really enjoyed it. and I see that he just, I don't know, there was just something in front.

He looked good on camera. No, that sounds simply. Wow. No, but you lit up the screen. I'm not saying that because I'm your mum, but you did. Yeah, well, you are also saying that because you're his mum. I'm, come on. Perhaps I'm a bit buying. I loved it.

Yeah, like, I didn't want it. It's just something about being in front of a camera. And that's the thing, I think over the past, well, sort of the last year, I found out, I think, I would do any action. I'd do serious. I'd do anything. But I do really enjoy comedy. I think I found that from

Am I been unreasonable and there's just something I think knowing that you've hopefully made someone laugh it's just such a good feeling Okay so you've just mentioned one of the shows Obviously that we have to talk about We have to, you've got something in front of you

Which will be revealed to do with everything With your whole career so far You're 15? You're 15? 14. You've won BAFTAs You've won RTS Awards, you've won RTSAWords, You've won Teletalk Awards, you know, all of that. And you're working with Daisy May Cooper.

You're working with Christopher Eccleston. Who was Doctor Who? And now you're going to be a Doctor Who. I know. Crazy. Where do we see? All right, you choose where we start. You choose. It's up to you. So we've done a documentary.

And then was it a Christmas car on stage or was Apple Tree House. Apple Tree House, which was another children's program that you did next. And that was, it was, it was, it's, it was basically children's stingers. So, like, you've got topics that children are finding interesting. So instead of something really serious, it would be like someone stole a birthday cake. Do you know what I mean? So, like, it's not too serious, but some of the kids enjoy.

So that was my first thing into, I guess, acting. Because the documentary wasn't acting. It was just me. This is us. This is us as a family. So, yeah, it started at Apple Tree House. And what would you like to talk about next? Which was the thing that made you just say?

So it was it Apple Tree House that made your eyes open and just say, this is what I want to do? Yes, it was, yeah. Well, I had the idea of the documentary CVBs, but I wanted to be in front of a camera. I wanted to be in that sort of world. But the Apple Tree House was the acting, I guess. But yeah, I really enjoyed it.

I was eight when I did Apple Tree House, and I'm 14 now, so yeah. Six years ago. That's about as much as far as my maths goes. Now, but also, and I've read that it was really important for you to see people like you on screen because we don't see it enough. There's no denying it. So when you were younger, we're still young, but when you were younger, you didn't see anybody like you.

How did that make you feel? Well, I think I was quite lucky in the sense that when I was younger, I sort of, I had the sort of confidence. But I think there is some children that shall I. I had someone contact the other day on through Instagram that their kid, they had autism the same type as me,

and they feel like they're getting fitting, which is horrible. Yeah, of course it is. And it was so lovely that the parents said seeing me on screen has helped boost their confidence and actually it's not bad being different. It's not bad being different, it's better.

Oh, completely. Yeah, otherwise it's boring, isn't it? Yeah, it wants to be like everyone in. But for you, it must have been important. as well. I mean, I know everybody always talks to you about Warwick Davis and lovely Ellie as well. Ellie, who's coming on this podcast as well. But it, and different. I love that you use the word different because that's everybody's different, you know, and to be able to see everybody and the fact that that young child, you were going to help that person. You said a minute ago,

you wanted to make sure that you made one person smile. You've made that person feel better about their life. It's very strange how other people have an opinion. Do you, have you had any, you as well, Lisa, do you get reaction? I mean, you know, do you get those awful people who are a bit negative about everything? We were saying, since the Doctor Who announcement, oh, under so many of the comments, you see the word woke and it's like, no, yes. Has Lenny been bought in just to tick a box? But I like to think, and I know Lenny knows, it's because actually he's good. at what he does. And Doctor who doesn't just do that.

They only have people in that they feel, yeah. I think that's the horrible thing about nowadays. If you're being inclusive, you're wonk. If you're showing representation and you're diversifying everything, which is how it should be. It's a work. It's an easy word to use, isn't it? And I really don't think that's the case.

I think it's because Lenny's been asked to be part of this because his talent is good. He's good at what he does. And again, I'm his mum and I'm saying, No, I can't. Okay, I'm not his mum. I'm allowed to say I'm not his mum. I'm really sorry, though, it's like that. How about other young people?

So at school and everything, how do they treat you? Everyone is amazing. We've got, I'm not going to say his name, I don't want to do in the satisfaction. I've got one kid at school, and I don't care if he hears this. I think it's jealousy. Yeah, of course. You're talented.

Thank you. You're happy. You're a joy. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks so much. It's just, I think there's different types of jealousy. Like, there's, the jealousy is in like, oh, well, you got to meet that person,

which I think if I saw someone else meet in a really famous person, I would be jealous. But I wouldn't want him to do bad. I wouldn't want to, I wouldn't want to see him, I'd still want to see him to do amazing, which I think is what most people are like. I think your group of friends, Lenny, genuinely. You don't kind of talk about your acting work too much at school, which they see Lenny as Lenny.

He's just Lenny to his little group of friends. That's so lovely. And I love, I think that's important. It's important that once Len is racked on a production, he then goes back and has that normality because he is only 14. And that's something that means his dad are very, you could easily get swept up by all of this. And I think it's really important that it keeps his feet on the ground.

Oh, completely. Especially at the age he is. So it's important that he then goes back to school. He has to get up. He has, you know, I mean, even when he's working, he has to tutor. It's that also really important. So how does that work then? So you're on the set of, am I being unreasonable?

Or Dodger or Doctor Who? Listen, the list, the list, and many other things. How does it work teaching-wise then? So usually we're getting, because it's usually early mornings, you're getting, you have breakfast, and then you tutor until they need you on set. And then when we stop filming from the scene or whatever, and we go back, and then it's sort of until...

Right, when you get told, you're trying. We have to do a minimum of... 15 hours a week, legally. And you try and get five hours. as a day. Of schooling? Yeah, as well as working. Which is hard, because especially, remember,

am I being unreasonable with Truckee and I'm not going to say much, but Doctor Who has actually been quite tricky. I mean it quite a bit. So it's hard to fit that shooting in and then you've got a sort of, it's hard because, like, so I think I missed a few hours last week. I missed an hour or something last week. And that has to be made up. So then it has to be made up this week.

Oh, is that how I was? Yeah. So I've got a next hour this week. So you're knacking most of the time. I know. But then he's getting one-on-one tutor to him. So I kind of think that's quite nice. You know, production sort all that out,

whereas if he was at school in a class full of 30-old kids, and his tutor's lovely, she worked with you, she's worked with you on a few productions. So she knows, and she's really good with him, you know. She kind of knows if he's had sort of a scene that's been, you know, he's had to use a lot of energy. She'll then come back and say, right, do some reading for half an hour.

I need you to see you reading. So she's very aware that actually can't constantly be, but you can get the hours in in different ways. So she's really good. So you get a good relationship. Yeah, she knows Lenny. Yeah, so that's nice that she knows him and knows. Because obviously he's got his condition as well,

so you have to be mindful of that. Yeah, let's talk about your health. You couldn't come to the RTS Awards. I know. Because you just have had the operation. Yes. So how is your health at the moment? So the operation was on your back?

Yeah, I had spinal fusion. Because that's two rog to go on either side of the bat. Wow. I know. Was it painful? It was. But you know what? Actually, over the pain, it was just so uncomfortable.

I couldn't lay down correctly without, I couldn't get a proper night's sleep. Oh, no. And that's the worst part. I love my sleep. I love my sleep. But I'm getting there. All I would say now, I'm having, it's just a bit tricky. I do not as you saw me when I pulled in, walking wise, is a bit tricky.

I'm a bit slower. You've got to build up your stamina, haven't you? You're still having physio. Yeah. That's what I mean. Like even filming Doctor Who at the moment, I think that's helping me with my stamina. So I found that after last week's filming,

I'm a bit, it's helped me, do you know what I mean? Yeah. The tolerance is better now. Yeah. Yeah. But you can walk. You can walk. Yeah, yeah.

But you use your... I use a segue. It's just so cool. Thank you. So let's talk about Bobby. Yes. He's very important as well. He is.

So Bob. Bobby and you, how does your relationship work? As you say, he's taller than you, so does he pat you on the head? Does he tease you? No, because if he did, I'll go mental. I want to have it. Good. Bobby's amazing.

He reaches things down for you. When I've said no more biscuits, Lynn, or no more sweets, Bobby's up there reaching stuff down, aren't he? Yeah. So, yeah. Basically. Like a cat team. But he, I think generally like things with acting as well.

I don't think I'd be where I am now if it wasn't for Bobby because mum has to come away with me a lot so he goes he's not with mum all the time do you know what I mean we're not all together a lot which is emotional but he's as good as cold

and if Bobby wasn't like that he wouldn't be able to do this so like we're away now as of this afternoon we're away kind of for another week and Bobby's like yeah see you later mum and it's his sports day tomorrow at Prime and it's his last sports day and I can't go to that but Bobby is just because I was just like oh my God I can't go

But Bobby's like, Mum, it's fine. Dad will be there. Go with Lynne. Like, he's as good as felt. Well, we have to point out that they're both here through the glass in the studio. And Bobby's helping Will and Joe out, the producers. And hopefully doing a very good job. A good job.

Yeah. If there's a glitch, we know who to blame. Bobby. Maybe it's Will. Maybe it's Will. Maybe. Maybe that there is. But I get, I sort of saw that straight away that you're

a tag team and that you and your husband as well. So that must be tricky that you're away so much from one another as well. Yeah, it is. But we're kind of like with Lenny as well. Don't get wrong. Of course we worry about both our kids as a parent you do for different reasons. But I think when Lenny leaves school to go out there into the world and get a job, things are going to be more difficult for Lenny.

That's just that's how it is, unfortunately. Hello, there's an Oscar on the way one day, surely. Yeah, hopefully. So I just think whilst Lenny is doing. and he's doing okay at this, you know, he's getting jobs, he's doing well. And the main thing is Lenny is loving this at the moment. The minute he said, actually, mum, this is, because he even likes doing his own little films a behind camera, you know, but as soon as Lenny said, Mom, this isn't what I want to do,

then it would stop because I think that would show on screen as well, and I think that would come across. So at the moment, we're trying to support Lenny as much as possible, and that does mean there's always a family. We always sit down and we discuss it and what that's going to mean. but we're just lucky that Bobby is so laid back. He's like Steve and he's as good as gold. Like, yeah, see you later, mum.

Whereas I know I've got friends whose kids have been like, no, Mom, don't go away. Bobby's never, he's quite self-assured, he's quite confident in his own and he's as good as gold. We're so lucky with both our boys. We are incredibly like that. I'm sorry, can I just say that you don't get, you and Steve don't get, you know,

we're picking up your boys. Let's ignore the boys for a second. Lenny, I'm going to ignore you and Bobby for a second. But you and Steve, the fact that you do what you do, that Lenny and Bobby are as grounded as they are and cope with everything that's thrown at them because it's not easy. No.

It's not easy. You and Steve are phenomenal. Oh, thank you. I just see it as doing what you would do, you know, as a parent. I feel like we just have boys. You know, we want them happy. We want them just to live their best lives. That sounds really cheesy.

But you just want them. I think we all want that for our children. And so if that means that we do stuff like this, and it means that one of us, we make it work. That's what you do. You just make it work. And I asked Lenny about his friends. How are your friends with you and Steve?

Do you ever get those sideways looks of, oh, pushy mum, stage mum, or do you get people going, oh, did you really meet? You know. Yeah, no, I think our friends are, they're so pleased to see Lenny doing so well and they love, oh, when's whatever he's doing on telly. And everyone seems genuinely happy. And to me, that's a friend. Do you know, that's what you surround yourself with.

So everyone just hopes that it continues for him. And like when he won the BAFTA, it was just the messages we got. Everyone was so, so happy. And that's lovely. That's really nice. We'll come back to you now, Lenny. We're finished, Igno. Hello.

Right, let's go to the shows then. So which show would you like to talk? Let's go. So let's start where we are now. and then we'll go backwards. So let's start with Doctor Who. And I know you're not allowed to say much. But you're working on Doctor Who.

That's probably about what we're allowed to say. Okay, you're working on Doctor Who. Russell T. Davis is just a genius. Amazing. Allegiant. Yeah, he's very clever. Very clever man. So tell me what you're allowed to tell me, and I won't push you for anymore.

So I'm playing a character called Morris. I can't say his last name. That's how, like, crazy. I can't have to say his last name. It's all right. Morris works. Yeah, Morris. And I can say this because he's on the picture.

He's got a segue. And the segway has some secrets inside. Yeah, they've jazzed it up, haven't I? Yeah. Is that the one you're on today? No, that's the East one. They've got him another one. Oh.

The props department have jazzed it up a bit, haven't they? With certain things. All right, don't tell us what. Okay. Are you allowed to talk about shooting? Because we all know that Shuti's Doctor Who. Yeah. Yeah, I mean he's with Shooty.

I don't know. It's so tricky. It's just lovely, though, in Linn? Yeah, and Millie. And Millie. And Millie's lovely. You play's the companion. Like, just, oh, it's just a nice production, isn't it?

It's a dream come to do for you. It's such a great atmosphere. Yeah, it's lovely. And I think Doctor Who, I mean, it's Doctor Who. It's crazy. I just, yeah, I feel very, very privileged. It's very lucky. So tell me about that, the audition and the phone call.

How did that, or who? Who got told? What happened? I want all the dish. I'm really lucky. I actually get an audition. Yes! I know. I told you when Oscar's going on.

Yeah, no, it just kind of got off. Didn't he then? I remember because this was when we couldn't say anything about it. I was on the game with my friends. You were on the game? On a PC. On a computer. Not on the game.

No, no. That's a whole other thing. Your dad and my... That's another topic. No, I'm not sure. No, no, not that game. Don't get the giggle, was that? Composed.

Composed. Sorry, I'm the words giggle, I can't stop. It's so dark. Not at that age. You're not supposed to know what we were talking about. I don't, I don't. You don't. You don't know, is you?

Oh. I'm trying to see what a day. What was he doing through the glass? He's laughing. Yeah, he's probably... Yeah, so I was on A-game, on computer with my friends. This is when I couldn't say anything. So, mum coming with the phone with the email on it.

And mum went... And she did that, so I got on my mic. So she's doing a whispering. Yeah, so I flipped my mic up, so no one can hear me. And she went, she showed me it. And I went, Doctor. She went, yeah. And yeah, I just...

It was... It was crazy. I think I never thought, I think as well, if you're offered a job, you sort of think it would be something not too massive. That is iconic. Yeah, like not as, but to be offered, Dr. Who is amazing. All right, well, I know you can't see anymore. And I actually, even though, it's always we want spoilers,

but we actually really don't want spoilers. Yeah, who is it? Yeah, completely. And I think that's why production are where they are. They don't want it, because everyone, one's there to get the best out, aren't they? Like, oh, everyone working there.

And I think that's why they're so stricties that they don't want to ruin it for people. And we all can't wait. I know it's a long wait until we see it. I know, yeah. I know that hasn't been announced yet, but I sort of know that through lovely Russell. So we will wait with baited breath and can't wait.

So let's talk about Daisy May Cooper then. Isn't she fabulous? She's amazing. She's exactly how you see her on the screen. He's crazy, but she's lovely. She is crazy. She's got a big heart, didn't she?

Yeah, she's very funny. So that show, tell me about getting that show. Was that the same thing? Did you have to audition? I had to audition. I had to do a self-tape because it was around sort of the second big lockdown. I was filming series one of Dodger in Manchester.

And it was crazy because I remember looking at the email, I'd be like, oh, that's cool. But I never think, they never thought it'd get me to where I am today with a bathtub. It's mental. So yeah, I got an email with Lenny to tape for the role of Olly in a Daisy May Cooper series. I called Dad straight away because we've watched this country with Daisy

and so that's very funny. So I had to tape, but we did the tape in Manchester. And then we had another tape, but I did that one at home, I was back home to redo a tape, but they give you notes to sort of like do it this way or that way. And then a Zoom meeting. and then we got the call. Do you know what as well?

I also think, sorry, Len, to interrupt. No, that's fine. With Am I being unreasonable, what I loved was when they were casting for this, they wasn't looking for a child with a disability. There was no, because obviously Lenny's got jobs before because they have been, but I love the fact that his agent,

sort of turned around to casting, said, is there any reason why Lenny couldn't audition for this? And I think it makes casting directors, actually no, why can't he audition for it? And I love that way. I feel like the thinking is changing. I feel like it's changing a bit. Lenny's lucky in the fact that he gets the best of both

because if they are looking for a child with some sort of physical disability, he's able to go for it. But also now there is that change. And in Am I being unreasonable, Lenny's condition has never met. It doesn't need to be. If it was, that's not a problem. It's there, isn't it? It's there. It's not the main part of the story.

And I think that's really refreshing. I just think that's nice. It doesn't need to be. You're being booked as an actor. Yes. Yes, that's it. Which is how it should be. And I love that.

And I think that's why your agent has been saying to various... Jack Thorne, who you've worked with, who is just an amazing writer, isn't it? Yeah, he's amazing. He really is. And he's a proper advocate for people, you know, with disabilities. And I... Yeah, I mean, you've worked with him. I mean, he's such a good...

And he writes about social issues, yeah, best interests, which you just, yeah, that went out, didn't it, that's on Saturday. Yes. That's what I wanted to talk about next, because that's obviously everybody's been talking about that. It's a huge show. Yeah. An incredible cast, including you. Very moving, very difficult topic.

Again, something you must be very proud of that. I am, yeah. And Jack Thorne, the way he's written it, I've never seen something that... I'm like, I've never had to go to that extent. But so true to disabilities, like even the parents, like Michael and Sharon. Michael, listen to him now.

Sharon Hogan and Michael Shee. But to him, they're just Sharon and Michael. Sorry, sorry. No, don't apologise. Mike. Mike and Shathe. Yeah, Mike. Michael Shathe.

But, yeah, Michael, Scheneg. But, yeah, Michael, Michael Schenegel, the way that they play the parents is just so true. I can't explain it. And I think, like, even last night's episode, a lot of it was on the sibling. and I think that's not so enough well it wasn't this though it's not just the child with the disability it affects everyone

isn't it kind of it's everyone that's involved yeah and like even the bit like episode two it would have been there's a bit where she's doing in a school band and the parents are going to watch but they can't get a call and it's just sort of that feeling of being not left out because it's not that You know, they had to go.

But the sort of feeling of... Being pulled. Well, it's a bit like Bobby, isn't it? Say with your hospital appointments. We always say to Bob's, obviously when he was younger, Bobby would have to come. And you do worry sometimes, like, oh, because it impacts.

Of course, you know, like different... It's not just you, Lenny, it's the four of you. Yeah, that's it. That's right. But like I keep saying, it feels like you guys are all a team. Very close. Yeah, I feel really close. Otherwise it would, yeah, I think so.

And it's important if one of us isn't happy with something, so if Bobby wasn't happy with me, going, Bobby knows he can say it's your mum. I don't want you to, you know, miss this on me. But he's never has, because he's just as good as cold. He really is. And not that I would mind if he did say. Yeah, no, I get that. So you're actually, you're going off to Great Ormond Street.

Is that for a check-up after this? Yes. Yes. This is my legs. For your legs? Yes. Just a normal check-up and they just have a look at his hips. Might need an x-ray.

Because my legs still, they turn out. So we're thinking of maybe maybe getting a hip operation, turn it in. Not yet because I just have to pack one or be a blacker, but maybe in a couple years. Right. Just to keep an eye on it, just to discuss different things.

So, right, and that's amazing place. Oh, yeah, the best hospital. The other young people I know who go there, they say they actually, even though they hate why they have to go, they love going there because everybody there is so kind and welcoming. No one wants to go to the hospital, but if I had to pick a hospital to go to it, it'd be going,

all my shoes, you know what I mean? Yeah, they are all lovely. They'll be very pleased to hear that. They really will be. Okay, let's talk now about Dodger, because I mentioned before, there you were with Christopher Eccleston. Yes.

Who was Doctor Who? I know. Little did you know that you were going to be with the Doctor Who, and now you're in Doctor Who, does he know? Have you told him? Mate, he couldn't see anything online, but I've not spoke to him. I think a phone call needs to be.

Hey, doctor. Maybe you'll be allowed to tell him. He might still be in the secret zone. You might be able to tell him more. That would be. Yeah, that would be. But he got cast his Scrooge and the Christmas Carol at the old Vic yesterday. And that's the show that he did for four.

Did you do four years or five? Four. He played one of the teams, Steen here for four years. So did you play it when Stephen Tompkinson did it? Yes. I saw you in here. Did you really? Yes.

Oh, right. I did. You were very young? Yeah, I was eight. You did it with Rie Fins. Was it Stephen Tompkinson next? Yes. Patterson Joseph.

Andrew Lincoln. When it was, they did it all on Zoom because that was COVID. They filmed the Andrew Lincoln one and pretty act like life. It'll be Christopher Ackleston this year, is it? Yeah, and he's not there. Do you feel bad? Yeah, it would be nice to see Christopher again.

But hopefully. I don't you just call him Chris? Oh, yeah. Yeah. Cush. Yeah, I've been actually a cush again, but... Okay, Lenny, we need to talk about the BAFTA that is sitting on the table. I know in our extra nugget, you're going to tell us a little bit more.

So we're just going to sort of breezily. See, people will want more, and that comes out in a couple of days. But breezily, that moment that you're sitting in the audience, I have to say, the BAFTA is mighty. I'm going to just clunk it so people can hear. I mean, they can hear it. That is heavy. Right. There you were, in the audience, and you hear your name. What the heck went through your head?

I just, I still cannot believe it, to be honest. I remember always, like, throughout the whole, because I was talking I was in a nominee about a month before, about two months before, which is great but horrible because you've got two months of fingers crossed. I remember always having the hope and being like, well, you know, you never know. And then I remember when the videos were being shown of all the different people, all the different nominees and the different programmes, I was like, no. No, I think, I mean, I had Stephen Merchant and Daniel Rutcliffe and just amazing people. And I just can't believe it.

It's crazy. But I'm very happy, very happy. I'm so pleased. And you deserve all of it. Thank you. As do the family, because I can see your pride in the BAFTA as well. It's very funny because lots of actors You don't say what's next

We know that Doctor Who's next for you Because it's always unfair to ask an actor that And also when I speak to older actors You know, they say Oh, I don't know if I'm going to get this part I don't get this So I think I'm allowed because you're 14 years old And I say this to my kids who are 16 and 21

What are your dreams, hopes and ambitions? I think I'm allowed to ask you that Yeah God God There's his three, yeah. Okay, God. Come on.

Oh, Hollywood. Okay. Yeah, that would be very cool. Is that really what you'd like? Yeah, generally. And I know that such a very, like, a very, like, thing. No, it's fabulous. Say it.

I know, yeah. Say it. We've had auditions come through, which I've got to get in, and I can't say it, but an amazing actor. Oh, my, it's something. Your mom's looking. There's something. Oh no, I've not gone it, it's just an audition.

Okay, but listen, an audition. Yeah, and I'm just very, I really hope. But who knows. With somebody very famous? Yeah, yeah. Okay, you'll be calling them by their first name, but their first syllable. Yeah, I can, unless they only have one syllable. I'm wondering if it's...

Oh. Then you just call them t, no. Anyway, don't tell me who it is. I don't want to know who it is, because I'm sure, yeah, I love that. Your mum just put her hand over your mouth in case you said. So you want to be Hollywood. You'd like to be in films. Yeah.

And you want to be just seen as an actor. Exactly. Yeah, I think that's the one thing. It's just annoying when, and I don't take it to heart. I know that it's just people behind the screen. But it's just annoying whenever I'd get something and I'm so happy. And it's seen as it's being wont. But it's...

Yeah, and I don't want to blow me on trumpet. No, don't you? Please blow it. I want it to be... I want it to be a good actor. That's what I want to be seen. It's not... Can I tell you, I give you a little bit of advice and I hope you take this with you.

Okay, there's two things. Because I've been in this industry for a very long time. Firstly, never give up on your dreams. No. Promise me. Just say I promise. Promise. Okay. Promise.

Secondly, don't read the crap. No. Because unfortunately, that's the stuff that stays with you and you don't remember the good stuff. No. So if you don't read any of it, just if you can help yourself to not read it, then you won't remember it.

And people will just say to you, you know what, you're a great actor. The reason I wanted you on this podcast and your mum, apart from the fact that I think you're fantastic, is because I think you're a really mighty fine actor. Thank you. Okay? That was the reason.

And when I said it to Joe, my producer, I said Lenny Rush, yeah, what a great actor. That was what, that was the reason, okay? Then I got to speak to your mum on morning live and I just thought, I've got to have her in as well, I've got to have Lisa in as well, because you're part of it. So don't give up your dreams and don't read the rubbish, okay? Thank you, thank you.

Lenny and Lisa and also Bobby and Steve who were through the glass. Thank you. It's a real privilege. Will you please remember as Will, Joe, and Gabby. Will you remember us when you'll get your Oscar? Yeah. Okay. Promise.

Well, if I don't make that a promise because then you have to name us in the thank you'll be thinking, no, what have I done? I'll remember it. Okay, perfect. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks so much.