Freeview Focus on... Jake Canuso

1 March 2011

Benidorm is back for a brand new series on ITV1 in February. We caught up with Jake Canuso, who plays ladies man Mateo, to talk about his Italian idol, working with writer Derren Litten and what to expect from series four of the show that's set in the sun.

Benidorm is ITV1's sunshine comedy also staring Steve Pemberton and Shelia Reid. Jake Canuso plays obnoxious Spanish waiter Mateo and has acted in many great British TV series including Casualty and Hustle on BBC One, and Channel 4’s Shameless. Jake has also appeared in the movie blockbuster Nine and British hit Kinky Boots.

1. Tell us about the new series of Benidorm?

Series Four sees us all back at the Solana Hotel with many of the regular colourful cast. There are also some brilliant new characters that fit in like they have been there since day one and we have some wonderful guest appearances including Cilla Black, Melvyn Hayes, Michael Fenton-Stevens, Denise Welch and Bananarama!

I can’t wait for the new series to go on air because it's been written so well. Derren Litten (writer of Benidorm) has once again created the most funny and heartfelt scripts. As you may know, the wonderful Geoffrey Hutchings passed away shortly before filming and Derren had to rewrite a lot of the series without Mel’s character (played by Hutchings).

Geoffrey was such a big part of the show and a dear friend to us all, so it was terribly hard for Derren and the whole crew of Benidorm. But, as Geoffrey would have said: “Get on with it”. And we did. We have ended up with a wonderful series.

2. You’ve appeared in Doctors, Shameless and Casualty plus a host of films including Nine and Kinky Boots: what is the standout moment of your acting career?

3. What is your ‘Top TV’ moment from the past year?

When Davina McCall announced the end of Big Brother on Channel 4! It was not one of my favourite series. I much prefer a well scripted and crafted show for TV.

4. What television series, old or new, do you think of as ‘Unmissable TV’ and why?

In the 80s, there was an Italian TV Series called ‘ La Piovra’. It was a show chronicling the first attempts to uncover and bring down the Sicilian Mafia. I have quite a strong fascination with the Mafia and for me it was the truest portrayal of the brutality of the mafia. It was unglamourised and unpolished and I just loved it.

5. Tell us what shows you are watching or recording at the moment?

The Killing on BBC Four is taking up a fair amount of space on my box at the moment!

6. Which actor or actress would you most like to work with and why?

Meryl Streep, because her acting is so truthful, so pure, so authentic, that one would be a better actor for simply working with her. Also I’ve heard that she’s great fun to work with.

I also think that working with Christopher Guest’s company of actors would be as much fun as working on Benidorm.

7. Tell us your guilty TV pleasure?

Big Fat Gypsy Weddings on Channel 4. Those dresses… say no more.

8. Who was your childhood TV hero and why?

Indiana Jones for the simple reason that I loved the world of secret tombs and unsolved mysteries. I wanted to be him! Laurel & Hardy were also were a hero duo for me. They took me out of reality and transported me into their world of ridiculousness and it was wonderful escapism.

9. When was the last time TV made you cry?

Recently, I was watching a programme with about three children - two with a terminal illnesses and one child that had over eight operations. It was heartbreaking but at the same time inspiring to see the bravery of these little kids. I really felt for them and it brought a tear to my eye.

10. Now Freeview HD is available, which part of your body would you least likely to see in high definition?

My naked bottom. Unfortunately it’s too late as it will be on full show in the new series of Benidorm which sadly for me was filmed in HD!