The actor had to leave the Channel 4 show early on Sunday, December 7, to make his matinee performance in a London pantomime
A guest on Sunday Brunch departed the studio immediately following their segment with hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer this weekend (Sunday, 7th December).
Among this week’s celebrity line-up were Chris McCausland, Ben Miller, Chris and Rosie Ramsey, Nigel Havers and Jack Savoretti.
Tim informed audiences at the programme’s opening that Havers would need to leave earlier than planned owing to professional obligations.
During his appearance, the presenters discussed with Havers his upcoming live production, Talking B****cks, scheduled to tour next year.
Presently, however, Havers is treading the boards for another production, marking his tenth consecutive year performing in the London Palladium’s annual pantomime, reports the Express.
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He’s taking on the role of The Keeper of the Privy in the celebrated venue’s staging of Sleeping Beauty, which features Catherine Tate, Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin and Rob Madge.
When questioned about his motivation for joining the pantomime, Havers quipped: “I don’t know. For the money, really.
“I’ve done it every year since we’ve started with my friend Julian Clary and Paul Zerdin, the ventriloquist,” he continued. “And it’s fantastic. I suppose it’s an amazing experience.”
The actor recounted how he pitched the idea of establishing a new pantomime tradition at the Palladium to the theatre’s proprietor, Andrew Lloyd Webber, noting “it’s been there ever since. It’s stuck.”
Jokingly claiming that Julian “abuses” him during performances, he confessed with humour that they both blanked on the words to their number in the closing act of their opening night. He also disclosed that the duo enjoy “the best martini in the world” following each evening’s curtain call.
“It’s the most expensive panto ever made,” he remarked. “Catherine Tate this year is just quite extraordinary. The whole place goes wild.”
Viewers tuning into the Channel 4 programme from their sofas were utterly charmed by Havers’ stint on the show, even though he had to depart early to catch Sunday’s matinee.
One social media user commented, “Nigel Havers is stealing the show. He’s a great raconteur.”
“I’ve never taken Nigel Havers very seriously, wasn’t someone I was remotely interested in BUT the guy sounds a scream!” another posted.
Whilst another viewer confessed, “Couldn’t help it. Had to watch Nigel Havers on Sunday Brunch. Have always liked him.”
Sunday Brunch airs from 10am on Channel 4.
