Sam Callis interview
Published:
Tuesday, 21 August 2007, 2:51PM
Doctor Mike Banner arrived in Elinsby after an administrative blunder and for a while he didn't even have any patients to treat. But despite his scruffy appearance the new medic has fitted in well. Actor Sam Callis discusses the new man on the wards
What was the hardest part of being a new arrival in The Royal?
Doing the technical stuff because we didn’t have a chance to practise it. I was doing it on the wing and you had to get it right so the audience didn’t spot a mistake.
Being the new boy on an established show must be difficult?
I’ve done a few recurring dramas and this is the nicest one I’ve done. Normally on a lot of shows there is a big divide between cast and crew. But here there wasn’t, we all socialised together. There is a danger of being an outsider when you join a cast like this.
So you’re a fully trained GP now?
Oh no, I learnt basic stuff like how to give an injection and resuscitate someone. Sometimes I wanted to do something by the book and we couldn’t because the camera angle was wrong.
Banner seems quite a groovy character
Yes, he’s from London and a fashion fan. He’s very dedicated and worthy. He doesn’t do things the same way as everyone else.
The others are unsure of him, aren’t they?
Yes, he doesn’t wear a suit and tie and they don’t think he’s any good at his job. He comes up against Ormerod who has a very set way of working but by the end of the series they reach a mutual respect.
The VW van looked fun
It was a proper period van but its brakes weren’t that good.
And you had a dog
He was quite tricky, he didn’t want to come out of his trailer very much and he never bought a round in the bar. If he didn’t want to do something he wouldn’t and he wouldn’t chase a stick. In the end, we had to get Robert to dress up in a dog suit.
Is there any chance of romance between Banner and any of the nurses?
He takes one of them out for supper but that’s as far as it goes, but I think there’s always a chance with someone like him. He’s one of those people. He’ll fall for someone eventually.
How would you describe your character?
He’s principled but impetuous. He’s the sort of guy who will do anything and jumps in with both feet. He acts before he thinks about things but always with the best intentions. He’s not a company man so he doesn’t conform to the hospital regulations and the way they do things.
How do the other doctors feel about his fairly modern way of working?
Initially they all judge him on the way he looks. He doesn’t wear a suit and tie so his colleagues don’t think he’s very good at his job. Mike has a lot to prove but he’s quite relaxed about it.
What’s your favourite storyline in the new series?
I like my first episode, it’s nice to be introduced. I also enjoyed the one where he visits the commune on top of the moors (September 16). That's where the diabetic hippy father uses insulin himself but won’t let his daughter have anything but herbal treatment. It's a good example of how Banner works because he doesn’t have a problem with herbal medicine but he’s a realist who can’t abide double standards.
How did you get the role?
I auditioned and got on really well with Ken Horn, the producer. Then when I had a recall in Bradford I had a terrible cold and didn’t think I’d be able to make it. Luckily I was able to, and I just went for it.
