December 28, 2002

Michael in "Spender"

Many thanks to Charlotte for the research.

While reading the MV article that was in the UK magazine, Arena, I remember chuckling at the mention that MV's step-father, Ian La Frenais, had written a part for him in Spender, which was a show on the BBC back in the early 1990's. His quote re the part was: It was "Uncle" Ian who put him on screen with the perpetually scowling wing nut Jimmy Nail in an episode of "Spender". "I've always ribbed him 'When are you going to write something for a French-American hockey player with a tattoo on his left arm??' So he finally did, and I thought, 'F**k me, If I don't get this part I'm really crap!' "

Spender was a popular show and for some bizarre reason, the star Jimmy Nail, became a bit of a (I term it loosely if you know what he looks like!) thing over here! For some reason "all things Geordie" ie. from Newcastle, were very vogue back in the 90's. Anyway, when I was mucking around on the net, I found the following ep guide for Spender and lo-and-behold, there is MV mentioned as the guest star.

17. "Puck" (Season 3)
guest stars: Tom Bell [ Tommy Thornton ], Laurie Killing [ Janet Thornton ], Michael Vartan [ Paul Ducheyne ], John Benfield [ Ernie Peters ], Gary Black [ Paul Thornton ], Thomas Craig [ Jim Harris ], Steven Black [ Bobby Spence ], Lee Davis [ Bobby Downes ], David Hartley [ Don Campbell ], Paul Pallance [ Bryson ], Bill fellows [ Eddie Lipsomb ], Denny Ferguson [ Gordon Hewlett ], Lyn Douglas [ Middle Aged Woman ], Brian Walsh [ Reivers Fan ]

Spender is assigned to dig some dirt on Tommy Thornton, who's name keeps cropping up, but the police have been unable to get any evidence against. Thornton has been blackmailing a local ice hockey star after finding out that the player is gay, and getting him to throw matches. Spender finds himself falling in love with Thornton's wife, thus complicating the situation, but before Spender can nail Thornton, he flees after the ice hockey player refuses to throw a big match, but not before leaving his wife in hospital.

broadcast: 19 Jan 93
writer: Jimmy Nail
director: Suri Krishnamma

Credit: http://epguides.com/Spender/guide.shtml

Here is also a link to the BBC site for the star, Jimmy Nail - it's just a bit of fluff but it's an amusing chuckle for Christmas. I believe Spender was shown in the States at some point, so I don't know whether it's still going on some cable channel - it would definitely be one to look out for!

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