Stephen Lord (EastEnders' Jase Dyer) interview

Since his character Jase Dyer met a grisly end on EastEnders in 2008, actor Stephen Lord has been writing, producing and directing the offbeat online series Doctor Hoo.

Described by the Daiily Telegraph as a show that “could provide a glimpse of how cult TV shows are developed in the future”, Doctor Hoo stars Ian Hart, best known for US drama Life and Dirt, in the title role of Doctor Hoo, alongside Stephen's wife Elaine Cassidy as “sexy bombshell” assistant Zara. Stephen also appears in the drama himself as the mysterious Agent Smart.

LastBroadcast caught up with Stephen to find out more...


How did you come up with the idea for Dr Hoo?

"I had been thinking about doing an online drama for some time and came up with the idea whilst on a spiritual retreat in Patmos Greece a few years ago.
Eventually I put pen to paper and within 6 months we were shooting in London."

Can you sum up the concept of Dr Hoo for newcomers?

"Dr Hoo is a manic depressive form Wales with a multi-personality disorder. He pronounces his own surname Hoo. His real name is actually David Raymond Hugh. Hoo is a strict vegetarian. He’s ecologically conscious and his primary concern is to save himself and the world around him.

"However, time is running out fast. His assistant is the sexy bombshell Zara. She’s obsessed with the “other world” and is always seeking Hoo’s help to find herself in the modern world. The relationship between Dr Hoo and Zara is complex to say the least - especially as Zara appears to live in Hoo’s head. As their lives unfold inside a garage in Borehamwood on the outskirts of central London, we’re left wondering whether they will ever get out."

What’s it like working together with your wife?

"Working with my wife on any project is a real joy. Elaine is an amazing actress and is so easy to work with and is always on the money. We actually met working together on a film The Truth."

Do you find there’s more freedom with the show’s online format, compared to a traditional TV show?

"Absolutely, as there are no real restrictions. You're not writing an episode to fit a 1 hour slot. The content is allowed to be what it is."

Do you prefer being in front or behind the camera?

"I love being in front and behind the camera and thankfully trust I can do both."

Did you start acting or writing/directing first?

"I started as an actor and continue to work - however, from working and meeting people have developed other skills. I think the most testing is acting. Writing, directing and exec producing something and taking on the full responsibility is also very liberating."

Is it hard to direct yourself in scenes that you’re in?

"I wouldn’t say this is difficult, but of course it requires a lot of energy which thankfully I’ve got in order to deliver and I have found the process more importantly enjoyable."

Did you enjoy your time acting on EastEnders and were you happy with your exit storyline?

"It was always the plan to go into to EastEnders for a year and do the best work possible. I was very much aware of the speed of the turnaround and felt this was a great challenge. The character Jase Dyer was strong enough to play and I loved the exit."

Do you miss working on the show and are you still in touch with any of the actors?

"I have been away in Canada and Los Angeles a lot and busy so have not had time to miss working on the show. However, I have fond memories of working with some good people cast, crew and the production team."

What other projects are you working on at the moment and what are your plans for 2010?

"I am involved in Jackboots Of Whitehall and Route Irish, which I trust will be released in 2010. I am always looking forward to the next right acting job and I am very keen to direct my first feature film, The Wronguns, which is planed to shoot in June 2010 in Blackpool."


Interviewed by Will Martin on 12th December 2009.