The Royal
Michelle Hardwick Interview
Published: Tuesday, 21 August 2007, 6:17PM
She may have been in The Royal for a while but no-one ever recognises the glamorous northern lass. Stunning Michelle, who stars as Lizzie Hopkirk, explains why.
You've been a regular in the series for more than four years, it must be fun to be a well-known face
You know I never get recognised for being in The Royal, which is fantastic. I've only ever been recognised for something twice in my life.
Why is that?
It's because Lizzie is a character from the 1960s, she has a distinctive hairdo, fake eyelashes and loads of make-up. I look totally different when I'm outside of work.
It's surprising you're not recognised because Lizzie is an ever-present character
Yes and I love that. I always have great interaction with the staff, the patients and the guest stars.
Your mum must love seeing you in all that fab gear?
My mum had me when she was really young, she grew up in the 1970s and had a different look. It was my aunt who was in the 1960s and she loves it. I've seen pictures of her with a beehive and I look like her. Lizzie's outfits are so fabulous.
What's your favourite outfit?
It's a cotton catsuit with long arms and flared trousers. It's sexy and tight fitting. I don't drink too much water before I wear it. I wear it in this series. I also loved wearing the Barbara Windsor nurse's outfit for the fancy dress party.
Who is your favourite co-star?
I loved working with Honor Blackman. It was great to have a Bond girl walk onto the set.
What was she like?
I had this one moment in the green room where I was sat between Honor and Wendy Craig. We were having this wonderful conversation. I sat back and thought 'wow' this is great. I was sitting between two such famous actresses. I couldn't wait to ring up my gran and tell her.
Tell us about the big upheavals in Lizzie's life this series.
Lizzie is happily married and had a lovely home with her husband. But he gets someone else pregnant. Eventually she gets kicked out of her appartment and has to sleep in one of the doctor's empty consulting rooms.
Why doesn't she go home?
She can't live with her mum. She could live with Ken but not her.
Surely matron won't allow dossing on the premises
No Lizzie has to move to the cellar. But matron finds out.
Why is The Royal so popular?
It's partly because of the music. That's why my brother watches it. I asked him why he does and he said 'Yeah, the music'. I said 'So it's nothing to do with the fact that you're sister is in it? 'No, it's the music," he said.