Father Denis Blackledge on how he’s helped Sean Bean play a thoroughly-modern Catholic priest in Broken
'I didn’t think I’d ever have “religious adviser to Sean Bean” on my CV,’ smiles Father Denis Blackledge as TV Times chats to him about the crucial role he’s played in bringing Jimmy McGovern’s gritty drama Broken to the screen.
The BBC1 series, which concludes this week, has seen Sean turn in a powerhouse performance as Father Michael Kerrigan, who has helped his parishioners face everything from suicide to homophobia while dealing with horrifying flashbacks to his own traumatic past.
To prepare for the role, both Sean and Jimmy sought the advice of Father Denis, who is the parish priest at Liverpool’s St Francis Xavier church, which was used to film many of the scenes set at Father Michael’s fictional church, St Nick’s.
‘They wanted to use my church as it’s where Jimmy was brought up so I was just in the right place at the right time,’ says Father Denis, 74.
This story is from the July 1,2017 edition of TV Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 1,2017 edition of TV Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The wonders of YORKSHIRE
HELEN SKELTON and DAN WALKER on sii the picturesque county for a new travel series
A father's FURY
Cain attacks Nate as he accuses him of playing away with Moira again
Flaming HELL
Spiralling Moira attacks Ruby... and they end up trapped in a burning barn
Where's my BROTHER?
George panics when Kojo goes missing...
Anna's PREGNANT!
But is there a future with baby father Bobby when she’s YY clearly smitten with Freddie?
A painful END
Paul passes away... but will Billy get to bid him goodbye?
Rowan brought to JUSTICE?
Leanne and Nick separately plot to expose the cult leader's crimes
PARENTAL guidance
MICHAEL and JACK WHITEHALL on exploring the meaning of fatherhood
Forging AHEAD
DAME JESSICA ENNIS-HILL on finding familiar traits in her ancestry
Checking IN!
MONICA GALETTI and ROB RINDER on exploring seven more wonders of the hotel world