Pam Ferris interview

Published: Friday, 13 July 2007, 5:23PM

Actress Pam Ferris loved filming in France so much that she went back there on holiday.

The beautiful small town of Menton was used as the location for They Understand me in Paris and Pam couldn’t resist returning.

She explains: “We shot in Menton but my husband Roger couldn’t come because he was working in the theatre.

“So we hired a villa in St Agnes, a little village in the hills above Menton, and some friends came to join us. The big thrill for me in Menton is that it’s not the same kind of glamour that you get in Cannes or St Tropez, and the episode shows that.

“It’s a lot more friendly and old-fashioned. What was most exciting was the market, a seven-day market full of produce,” adds Pam, who plays Laura Thyme. 

“When we filmed Rosemary & Thyme I couldn’t cook anything because we were staying in hotels, so when I went back it was great because I could choose things and try different ways of cooking and barbecuing. I wish I could have that market round the corner from me at home.”

Pam was a keen gardener before she accepted her role in the series. “I love gardening,” she says. “We don’t do as much in the series as I would like because the crew is so efficient that they organise it all and we just have to empty one pot out for the shot or whatever. 

“My climbers and grapevine are doing very well and I’ve got loads of thyme plants that are growing in among the paving. People keep giving them to me for some reason – but I love them. And even if it is under rain, I would rather be outdoors all day getting to see the most marvellous gardens.”

Laura is enjoying herself in the series. “I think Laura’s finding her freedom,” says Pam. “She started off as an inspector’s wife so she was very buttoned down.

“But having separated from him and found this strange gypsy way of life she’s more fulfilled. Her clothing is a bit more exotic, she’s able to let things go more easily, she enjoys it and so do I.”

Pam likes the action-packed element of the show. “We do most of the stunts ourselves, apart from falling from great heights. It’s great because when you’re working those long hours, you don’t get any time to exercise.  It’s really nice to do a bit of jogging to stop you from stagnating completely.

“I do try to exercise every day when I’m not working.  Over the years I’ve learned a lot of different things – aerobics, yoga and belly dancing which I enjoy doing very much. And every day I walk our dogs Jack and Sophie with my husband.  It’s how we start the day.”