BEHIND THE SCENES AT GLENBOGLE

THE PEOPLE (LONDON, ENGLAND)
21 SEPTEMBER 2003

Cast and crew spend eight months of the year filming Monarch of the Glen in Scotland – no wonder they were having such a laugh we dropped by backstage.

When Monarch Of The Glen returns to our TV screens this week, it seems all the MacDonald family’s money worries are finally over. The estate is running smoothly and life has never been sweeter, which can only mean one thing - newlywed Archie’s bored. And where his itchy feet will take him will be one of the main dramas at Glenbogle this year.

Alastair MacKenzie, who plays the handsome Laird, hints: “He has always been more concerned with trying to keep the estate from the debtors. Now it’s up and running - it is finally clear of all debts and the mission has been accomplished. So, after travelling all over the world on his honeymoon, Archie wants something new to challenge him.”

There will be many other family upheavals this year - not least the MacDonalds having to come to terms with the late Hector’s secret son Paul, who seems eager to overthrow the status quo. We caught up with the cast on a day’s filming to take a peek at what they get up to behind the scenes at Glenbogle.

Actors Lloyd Owen, Susan Hampshire and Hamish Clark look a little tense as Paul Freeman (Andrew MacDonald) practises his karaoke skills again.

Dawn Steele isn’t starting a career as a welder, she’s just shielding herself from the industrial amount of hairspray required to keep locks looking neat in the Scottish weather.

Rae Hendrie, who plays Golly’s daughter Jessica, takes a break from filming to make some phone calls. No doubt she’s catching up with friends in London, where she shares a flat with two other actors. She says: “It’s good when we’re filming. We go through our little lulls and we spur each other on.”

Dawn Steele (Lexie) gets a quick-fix hairstyle from the make-up artist, Julie, before heading off to film her scene. She’s relieved Lexie’s back to her old self: “She’s more mature, more confident and happy, and that allows her to let some of the quirkiness back in - and that’s great.”

Dawn Steele and Hamish Clark take some well-earned time off between takes to put their feet up and relax on the tartan-clad chaise lounge in the grand old hall of the sprawling Glenbogle House.

He’s another clear contender for the dishiest of the MacDonald men - and at the very least Lloyd Owen (Paul) proves that he can pout with the very best of them.

Last year Duncan was rearing wolves for the estate’s wildlife centre, but it was a hair-raising experience for actor Hamish. “I was huddled in a sleeping bag with my back to the wolf pen and heard this spitting, snarling and growling. Someone had put some meat out on my side of the fence - and the wolves were just a foot behind my head, desperate to get at it!”

“I have to wear this in the wind or else my perm will drop!” No, actress Rae Hendrie (Jessica) and the production crew haven’t really suffered a collective bad hair day, they’re doing their best to escape the curse of the Monarch midgies, who like to go behind the scenes every day.

Hamish Clark, who plays Duncan, prays there won’t be a gust of wind as he poses on the banks of Loch Laggan. In the new series, we’ll see the kilt-clad Duncan turn a few heads and finally find love in the form of Kilwillie’s niece, Hermione. Hamish reveals: “Hermione will unashamedly introduce him to the high life and Duncan happily goes for it.”

Susan Hampshire gets ready for her cue. Her character, Molly, will have to cope with being single and available again after Hector’s death. Says Susan: “Your life doesn’t end when there is no man in it and it doesn’t mean to say you’re not ready for a new one, or ready for new love. It can be such a huge adventure after all.”