Interview: Actress Kerry Godliman's views on Derek role and Ricky Gervais (From Surrey Comet)

Kerry Godliman on Ricky Gervais's controversial new series Derek

12:32pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in Leisure By Beverley Morrison

You are going to hear a lot about south London actress and comic Kerry Godliman in 2013. 
Thanks to a raft of roles on radio and TV, starting with Ricky Gervais new Channel 4 series Derek, the 38 year old mum-of-two’s career is taking off. 
Playing Hannah, the kindly care home manager in the pilot episode of Derek has earned her praise, not least from Gervais who plays the title role - a care home worker with learning disabilities.
The show’s subject matter has divided reviewers, which makes the new series much anticipated. Was Kerry surprised by the controversy surrounding Ricky’s portrayal of Derek?
“No not really, I think everything  Ricky’s done has a bit of a split response, so I think it’s kind of inevitable now,” said Kerry.
“But it will be interesting to see what people make of the new series.”
Kerry, who lives in West Norwood, got the part after appearing in small roles in Ricky’s other hit shows, Extras and Life’s Too Short.  She’s also appeared in Miranda and Jo Brand’s series Getting On in between stand-up gigs.
As Hannah, she’s very protective of her charges – in fact in the pilot she ends up headbutting a yob in a pub who makes fun of Derek.
“Hannah’s  very kind and loving and caring – all the traits that I aspire to have but probably don’t have,” said Kerry.
“Apart from the headbutt – but even that’s a kind of lioness display of protection, isn’t it?  She can’t tolerate one of her wards being vulnerable.
Kerry,  has two children, Elsie, 6, and Frank, nearly 3, with her partner, actor Ben Able. They juggle the child care depending on each other’s work commitments – which provided some of the material for her new Radio 4 comedy show, Kerry’s List, which launches in March.
“The show is about having a to-do list and being a bit maniacal about trying to get everything done – especially women who’ve got kids and work,” said Kerry.
“It’s meant to be a sort of collage - a scratch and sniff of my life really.”