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KATE O’MARA first graced our stages and television screens forty years ago, in classics like The Saint and Z Cars, or alongside Peter Cushing in the 1967 gorefest, Corruption. Since then, she has appeared in Dr Who, Crossroads and some of the most gloriously awful soaps and dramas in British TV history.
So what exactly did Colin Baker do to upset her?
Which time in history would you love to have lived? And why?
I would love to have witnessed the 12th century - to have seen the beginning of English society after the Norman conquest to see if the feudal system really worked - to compare life in the countryside and life at Court.
What was your finest Dr Who moment? Transmogrifying Colin Baker into Sylvester McCoy was one. But my favourite was when my own character. The Rani. got her comeuppance. even though we never quite knew what happened to her. She had few fine moments because she was
112 THE LIST ." ‘rf i‘.‘l.i' '5
such a Villain! I w0u|d Quite like to be part of the new Dr Who. but they haven't asked me.
If you had one day to live, who would you choose to spend it with? And why?
My son-because he is the most preCious thing in the world to me. But if you mean somebody famous then it w0uld be William Shakespeare. I would bombard him With questions.
Tell us the punchline to your favourite joke. Joyce wrote Ulysses and Goethe wrote Faust.
If you woke up one morning to discover you had developed one new power, what would you like it to be?
In a fantaSy Time Travel, or more realistically. incredible physical strength.
What song would you hate to have played at your funeral?
Any piece of pop music. That would be horrendous. I‘d die if I wasn't dead already! When did you last laugh out loud while reading a book?
I was reading a wonderful satire called Head/Cup Hall by Thomas Love Peacock - he was a contemporary of Shelley.
Who would you like to play you in the film of your life? Who do you actually think would play you?
Don‘t be idiotic - no—one is going to make a film of my life.
When did you last dance? What was the occasion?
On stage in pantomime a couple of years ago in a number called ‘Bring On The Boys'
Does a woman have to take her clothes off to be a good vampire lover?
I certainly didn‘t.
When did you last cry? What was the reason?
I cry very easily at other people’s tragedies — not my own.
How many times do you look in a mirror every day?
Constantly - I find it reassuring to know that I am still there
What’s your lucky number? Are you generally superstitious?
My lucky number is 4. I'm only superstitious about nappies.
What future is there in television?
Absolutely none. I’m getting rid of mine
What’s your biggest regret?
Not going to university. If I could afford it I would go now.
Are you a cat or dog person? And why?
I’m a cat person — I admire their independence and they don‘t smellll
Who is the best dressed British celebrity? JudiDench
What’s the longest time you’ve slept soundly in one go over the last 5 years?
I only sleep 5 hours each night — I don't need any more
What’s your favourite biscuit?
Shortbread — but it‘s a treat and not an everyday occurrence.
Where are you more comfortable these days - on stage or on a television set?
I've always been happiest on stage — I am actually the 5th generation of actors in my family!
You starred in Triangle, the infamous 19705 soap opera set on a cross channel ferry. Do you have fond memories of the experience? No. No. No!
I Kate O'lt/fara is appearing in Agatha Christie '3 The Hollow at the King '3 Theatre. Edinburgh. until Sat .1 Mar.
AndFlIdly...
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With the annual celebration of mummydom coming soon, we thought it might be a very good idea to look at some of those who wouldn‘t have given two hoots about being good mothers.
I Medea A barbarian Witch who betrayed her family and kills her brother in order to stick by husband Jason. Miffed by his disloyal teiidenues (takes one to know one. suppose). she goes mildly loony and decides to kill off some other pOOr sods with poisoned clothing. Her coup de grace is the murder of both her children.
I Allen Might have been nice to her kids. but she wasn't at all pleasant to space men and space women. ripping out their innards With her vast gnashers.
I Edina Monsoon A mum who put the Absolut in absolutely and was less than fabulous. she lives her life as though she was still trapped in some late 608 tirnewarp. Awash in a sea of hard liquor and soft drugs. she allowed her down at heel daughter Saffy to just about kept the family together.
I Mother Teresa Not actually a mum.
I Angle Watts The gin-sodden matriarch of Albert Square was a psychological and physical wreck, telling everyone she had cancer so her hubby wouldn‘t ditch her. Perfectly groomed and the life and soul of every party. her daughter Sharon suffered to the p0int where she began to look like their pet dog Roly and ended up marrying her step-brother.
I Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention Not actually a bunch of inuriis.
I Peggy Bandy Another shocking example of TV mothering is Married with Children's tight- trousered. stiletto-heeled nightmare who flatly refused to cook or clean the house. leaVing her loved one to scramble around for crumbs under the sofa and even stealing a friend's fridge after his funeral.
I Britney Spears No. love. driving wrth your son on your lap isn't protecting him from the nasty paparazzi. it's bloody dangerous. The unconfirmed rumours that she is planning to pen a parenting book with Michael Jackson are no surprise to us.
I Shaft One baaaad mother.
I The Queen in Snow White They may not be blood. but this doesn’t stop Snow White's jealous step-mum from taking control of the girl‘s life. Determined that she should have the King all to herself, the Queen pays an assassin to dispose of Snow White and bring the girl's heart back to her. When this plan flops. she disguises herself as a mangy old crone to poison the lovely thing herself.