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TV HEART-THROB MAX IS JUST MAD ABOUT FILMING HERE
AFTER four weeks of filming, the first production of 2007 has ended its Isle of Man stint and headed for London. Is This Love?, a four-part ITV drama examining modern relationships and modern lives, is described as Cold Feet with tough edges. It focuses on a love triangle involving Claire, her fiancé Woody and his best friend Mitch, played by Max Beesley.
Mitch is a DJ on a late-night radio phone-in, dispensing glib and controversial advice to callers.
Although a charmer and always ready with quick advice for his listeners, he can't solve his own problem — being in love with Claire, the woman he can't have.
Max, 34, took time out from shooting at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club, Santon, to chat about his time here.
'It's fantastic,' said the star of BBC's Hotel Babylon.
'It's one of the nicest crews and nicest casts I've ever worked with in my life.
'The Island's lovely, it's good being here because I've never shot here before.
'I have been into town a few times, you don't get much of a chance. I've been down to Aperitivo, which is a lovely, lovely place, good food,' Max revealed.
'I've managed to get to a few shops, it seems an interesting island.
'Absolutely lovely people, I love the place. Some people say, back in London, it is cold and dark, but that's not fair.'
He added: 'I am fully aware of the reasons why people do a shoot out here, tax reasons, but it's much more than that.'
The cast and crew spent long hours on set — so long this interview had to be conducted in Max's trailer during his lunch break — but the actor, who also starred in Bodies, said the project made it worthwhile.
'It is fantastic writing, it works just right for human nature, which is what the show is all about,' he said. 'There are nuances in each character which the general public will definitely identify with, viewers will know our characters very well. They will know the journey we are going on.'
Reflecting on his character's unrequited love, Max added: 'It is the dynamic in that we are trying to delve into the discomfort and pain, but there are some very comedic goings on, it is a kind of comedy-drama, but really weighty in its drama and its comedy.'
He added: 'All the characters, everyone in it, is just fantastic.
'They are all at a stage where you have to move up a gear and do the best you can. We have a closeness as a cast, we get on really well and have that respect for each other.
'I love the job. It is good to come and do it each day. I do live for the work and take it very seriously. I feel very lucky to do this work and not to have to do middle-of-the-road television which pays your mortgage.'
Is This Love? is due to be broadcast later this year.
Is This Love? Factfile
WHO IS INVOLVED?
The script is the work of renowned TV writer Daniel Brocklehurst, who penned episodes of Shameless, Sorted, Clocking Off and Linda Green, and at the helm is respected director Dearbhla Walsh, who was also behind the camera for Funland and Shameless.
Established stage actor Joseph Millson plays Mitch's best friend Woody, while the object of their affection Claire is played by Laura Fraser, seen in 2001 movie A Knight's Tale.
Mitch's sister Kelly is played by Kate Ashfield, perhaps best known as Simon Pegg's girlfriend in movie Shaun of the Dead, and her husband is played by Adrian Bower, a TV regular whose credits include Teachers.
Also featured is Emma Pierson, a well-known face on TV and Max's co-star in Hotel Babylon.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: South
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