The A Word’s Christopher Eccleston admits he finds show ‘difficult to watch’ and friends ‘questioned his performance’
THE A Word actor Christopher Eccleston has opened up on the difficulties of re-watching his role as grumpy grandad Maurice Scott, admitting he is "struggling" with playing the character.
The former Doctor Who frontman, 56, takes on the role of five-year-old Joe's grandparent, who strikes up a close relationship with his loved one as he battles with autism.
Christopher has previously branded himself a "dinosaur" compared to others in the BBC role and he has now opened up on how playing Maurice leaves him a little out of his depth.
He told the Radio Times: "I’m an actor who really – my comfort zone is in serious drama.
"I find my performance in The A Word a little too broad and very difficult to watch.
"I have to say, I think you can see an actor still struggling with how to play comedy.
"But I’m very grateful for the opportunity to try."
Explaining his self-depricating attitude, which may come as a surprise since he has played the character since 2016, Christopher added: "I find it a bit face-pull-y.
"It’s not a performance I can particularly look at, and it’s a performance that some of my close friends and family have questioned.
"It’s a difficult watch for me, Maurice – what I’m doing as Maurice.
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"But with other people it seems to have registered… I’m glad that some people enjoy it."
Christopher has previously talked himself down during his telly project in a candid chat with the Telegraph when he said: "I’ve been in the industry a long time.
"Stories about men shouldn’t be at the centre of things anymore and hopefully the industry is changing.
"It gets a bit dull, doesn’t it? Tuning in and it’s a load of blokes again."