I Like Playing A Git

Sunday Magazine, July 2000

by Steve Clark

As The Bill's hard-nosed detective Frank Burnside, Chris Ellison, 53, was so hated that they gave him his own six-week spin-off series! Steve Clark reports

Why do you think people like the character of Frank Burnside?
Because he's such a git! Although he's mellowed a bit with age which means that he's not quite so predictable. I think they are glad he's on the right side of the law, even though it doesn't always look that way!

Do you like him?
He earns my living so, yes, he's been very good to me!

Are there any similiarities between the real you and Frank?
No. I mean, I've got an appalling temper when it goes, but I'm not like Frank. The big difference between us is that he's not lazy whereas I am incredibly lazy. He's very single minded and if he's onto something then he won't leave it alone whereas I would have given up long before.

What do you think about sentencing in British courts?
It seems a lot of the time people who should be serving long sentences, like paedophiles, don't, and are let out to do it again. Whereas some people who aren't dangerous are locked up for a long time. Crimes against property are sometimes treated more severely than crimes against the person and I don't think the public are happy about that.

How do the public treat you?
You wouldn't believe it, but people give me a warm welcome. They don't behave aggressively even when we are filming in some of the toughest parts of London. I never find friction, in fact people usually come up and shake my hand and tell me how much they like the character.

Has anyone ever tried to pick a fight with you?
I've never been threatened. I think that's probably because I don't give off an aggressive vibe and I don't go "Hey, look at me - I'm on the telly". I'm quite normal really! What gets up people's noses is when stars go into pubs surrounded by minders because then people think "Who the hell does he think he is?"

You've got two children, Louis, 18, and Francesca, 10. Are you a strict dad?
No, I'm dreadfully soft - absolutely hopeless! I lose my temper and shout and go off on one and then I feel dreadful, and apologise five minutes later. My wife Anita says I shouldn't do that. In the end I'm the one who ends up upset because I can't stand losing my temper with them.

Do you cry easily?
No. Things do move me but I don't burst into tears all the time. I do know men who do and I find it embarrassing and sad when a man cries.

Have you ever had any contact with the real police?
Yes. Once I was going to Somerset for a personal appearance and the guy driving was belting down the M5 at 90mph because we were late. We went past a police car in the middle lane. We saw them look and then they came after us - fast. My driver slowed down and they came level with us in the fast lane and waved and went "All right!" The driver couldn't believe it!

© 2000

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