ABERDEEN PRESS & JOURNAL - 27 DECEMBER 2003

Hamish Clark might best be known as the loveable character, Duncan, in Monarch of the Glen, but he is about to become the Monarch of Hogmanay as he presents, along with Jackie Bird, the BBC TV show which will lead the whole of Britain in welcoming the New Year.

Hamish is looking forward to his first presenting role on live television, but admits that having Jackie alongside him is a great confidence booster.

“I used to play rugby and it is like being asked to play for the first 15. This is THE night of the year live from Scotland to the whole nation. It is a great honour and I was thrilled to bits when they asked me. I thought it was a joke at first, but then I realised that they were perfectly serious. I did not hesitate in agreeing, of course.

“It is a great platform for me, the chance to show that I can do something else other than play Duncan in Monarch of the Glen. I’m well chuffed, but I have to admit that Jackie’s participation really swung it for me. She is class, an icon in Scotland. I know that she is there ready to pick up the pieces if anything goes wrong. I can say ‘over to you, Jackie’ and I know it will not be a problem to her.” It has been quite a year for Hamish, who has become something of a national treasure in his role as Duncan.

“He’s a great character, ever so energetic and quite a fidgety guy,” said Hamish.

“I am not sure what he would say about presenting the Hogmanay show. It might be a bridge too far for him even though he is prepared to tackle just about anything else.

“I can identify with him. I am very much like that. I like to be doing something all the time. I could never be a couch potato. I tried my hand as a comic before I came into acting and it was very scary, but I loved the challenge of trying to make people laugh.

“Before Duncan, my biggest claim to fame was a Vodafone advert and people used to point at me then and I could hear them saying that I was the bloke on the advert. The bloke on the advert! Nobody knew my name, of course, but at least they recognised me.” Now, Hamish is recognised for his role in Monarch of the Glen and was even approached while on a trip to South Africa and asked if he was the guy on Monarch of the Glen.

“It was quite nice really,” he smiled.

“I have not become so famous that I don’t like being recognised. I still get a kick out of it, but not in a bad way. It’s just nice to have people being friendly.

“I like to get involved with local projects when we are filming. The people of the area where we film are very good to us. They don’t mind the interruptions and they always make us feel welcome, so if we can give anything back, we do. I have helped with all kinds of local events and that is where being recognised can be such a benefit. It means that you can use your recognition to help other people.” After the Hogmanay show, Hamish will find himself even more famous as he appears alongside many other stars.

“We are sticking with the traditions of Hogmanay, but adding to it with some surprises and lots of guest stars, including people like Bruce Forsyth, Leslie Grantham, Shane Richie, Mel C, Mark Owen, Linda Barker, Rolf Harris, David Dickinson, Fearne Cotton, Phillip Schofield, Alex Parks, Chris Moyles, Ainsley Harriott, Jenni Falconer, Eamonn Holmes, Lorraine Kelly, and even Basil Brush.

“It’s quite an impressive list and all the more exciting for me to be involved in a show with such great names. When the New Years bells sound, we will have a special rendition of Auld Lang Syne and we shall go live to Princes Street in Edinburgh to see the crowds celebrating. Craig Hill, from Live Floor Show, will be out on the streets for the evening talking to the party people out there.

“After midnight, it will be on with the party. There’s some great music, too, with Capercaillie, Kate Rusby, Blazin Fiddles and Rosanne Cash, who will lead a tribute to her father, Johnny Cash.

Hamish has a reputation for being quick-witted off screen and when he and Jackie Bird got together for the first time to start work on the Hogmanay show, the laughs were long and loud.

“He is so quick and funny,” said Jackie.

“He said that he is reassured by me being there, but really he is so quick with one-liners that I am reassured that he will think of something funny to say at a moment’s notice if we have anything go wrong.

“I think it should be a great show and I am really looking forward to it. Scotland is the home of Hogmanay and it is great that this year, we’re going to be letting people across the UK into a little bit of Scotland. They can have their TV on in the corner of the room and join in the party.” This is the first time the Hogmanay show will be available throughout Britain since 1998 and the appearance of Hamish is sure to guarantee extra viewers.

“I think fans of Monarch are in for a treat,” said Jackie.

“Hamish is even more of a character than Duncan and just the sort of person you would want at your Hogmanay party.” Naturally, Hamish will be wearing a kilt for the Hogmanay party, just as he does in his role as Duncan in Monarch.

“There is a difference,” he admitted.

“When we are filming for Monarch, there is a lot of outdoor work and we always try to get the location stuff done during the best of the weather.

“Unfortunately, that also means that it is the season for midges to consider us all to be fair game.

“If I didn’t wear Lycra cycling shorts under my kilt, I would be eaten alive by the beasts, in the worst possible place. That will not be a problem in the Hogmanay studio, so no tight cycling shorts for me this time.” That, of course, poses another question which Hamish smiles and avoids.

“I have done all sorts of things on previous Hogmanay nights, including once being a guest in a shanty town in South Africa. But this year promises to be my most spectacular yet. It is a family time, of course, and while I can’t always actually be with my family, I always think of them at this time.

“This year, I will be able to join them via the television and to wish them and all the viewers a very Happy New Year!” Hogmanay Live starts on BBC 1 at 11.50pm.