Co-written by and starring Greg Davies, comedy series The Cleaner follows Paul ‘Wicky’ Wickstead on more of his eventful cleaning jobs.
Armed again with his chemicals, scrubbing brushes and cleaning rags, Wicky removes more gruesome remains at the scenes of new crimes, including in a theatre, an electrical goods store, and a stately home.
It is here he meets some more unusual characters and gets sucked into their worlds as he can’t help but gossip as he cleans, all the while trying to get down to the pub...
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Meet the cast of The Cleaner series 2
Greg Davies Q&A
The Cleaner is back for a second series, what can viewers expect from the show and Wicky this time round?
I think we push Wicky further and further out of his comfort zone. Indeed, he’s often in peril and for a man who just wants a quiet pint we never allow him the luxury of stagnation.
What do you think it was about The Cleaner and Wicky that viewers fell in love with?
Well, it’s not for me to presume they did but what I like about the character is that in many ways he is quite innocent, almost childlike. He has settled into a very straightforward personal life but does a job that is constantly challenging that. He is forced to consider things about life that, left to his own devices he’s probably ‘brushed under the carpet'. Rarely does Wicky leave a crime scene without having learned something.
What is your favourite thing about playing Wicky?
I love that each week is a new adventure for him. He is challenged by eccentric characters with colourful lives. It’s really nice to work intensely with a small cast week on week and it may seem petty but I like that, regardless of the guest actors illustrious careers, I’m always the tallest person on camera.
Has he changed at all since series 1? If so, how did you develop his character?
One of the things we were keen to do in our adaptation is to see how Wicky’s journey in life affects him and to gradually learn more about him. The nature of his job forces him to confront things about himself and I think this series we get even more insight into what makes him tick and how capable of change he may or may not be.
What is great about The Cleaner is viewers can dip in an out of each of episode, they don’t need to watch in an order – does that give you a sense of freedom when writing?
Absolutely, I love the anthology nature of the show. It’s reassuringly old fashioned in many ways, like play for today from the 70’s. What binds the series is there is the same man responding to a wide range of extreme situations and conflicted characters. I mean, it’s a bit like a one man Scooby doo and you can quote me on that even though it’s not particularly/ remotely accurate.
There is something for everyone in this series isn’t it? What makes it have such a broad appeal?
I think most of us crave a level of stability. Wicky is not allowed to play life as safely as he would like. I think people might enjoy seeing him dropped into situations that most of us would go out of our way to avoid. The array of talent that we’ve been lucky enough to attract means that each week is a very different treat from the last.
Once again you have an amazing line up of guest stars, can you tell us a bit about them and how it was working together?
Getting to work with actors that I have admired from afar is such a privilege with this show. They were all brilliant in the roles and that we have convinced/ tricked them in to sharing a screen with a fat comedian is a great joy.
When you were writing their episodes did you have them in mind?
I try not to so as to avoid disappointment but I’m sure the other writers would agree that all too often you secretly pencil in your dream cast during the writing process.
What was your highlight from writing and filming this series?
I’m sure that it reflects very badly on me on so many levels that chucking a bucket of water in Zoë Wanamaker’s face is right up there. She really didn’t seem to mind though. I really like the gentle background potential for romance with the scene of crime police officer so brilliantly played by Zita.
Are there any funny anecdotes from filming you can share?
Did I tell you about chucking water in Zoë Wanamaker’s face? I did? Okay, well then in no particular order I enjoyed: Making Asim Chaudhry wear a greasy wig and chase me with a gun, having a fight with John Macmillan’s clown, having Simon Callow quote poetry at me, being pinned to the floor by a giant man whilst a chain smoking Dame (Harriet Walter) watched on, talking to Alex Lawther via a fox, my friend Roisin attempting to murder me whilst having my faith challenged by Mark Lewis Jones. On a more negative note, I was and remain horrified that we couldn’t use a stunt man’s hands in one close up because they were deemed “too young and wrinkle free” for my character. I have beautiful, youthful soft hands and no amount of bullying from a production team will convince me otherwise.
Have you taken any cleaning tips from Wicky since series one?
If in doubt, chuck a towel on it.
Finally what do you hope viewers will take away from of this series?
I hope they will get lost in every mini adventure, the wonderful performances of our guests and enjoy Wicky’s discomfort whilst rooting for him a bit.
A note from Zoë Wanamaker
“The script was witty, funny and smart. A heightened and pertinent discussion about how we try to rub out the past only to replace it with politically correct nonsense. Greg is too tall for his own good, our fight with mops was a highlight. The crew were delightful, we had fun, it was a pleasure.”
Asim Chaudhry Q&A
Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?
My character's name is Kai. He's a conspiracy theorist with a good heart. I've always wanted to play someone with greaser skin than I have in real life.
What was it like working alongside Greg?
Absolute legend. I used to call him Papa G on taskmaster and sit on his lap and I very much did the same thing on this set.
Do you have a favourite moment from filming your episode?
Greg and I have an amazing chase scene and by amazing I mean slow and pathetic.
How do you think you would fare as a crime-scene cleaner?
Really bad. I'm always touching everything and sniffing stuff. The scene would be contaminated within seconds.
Harriet Walter Q&A
Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?
My character is a tough cookie or thinks she is. She sees all relationships as transactions, as profit or loss. She is a great contrast to romantic soft-hearted Wicky. She owns the pub where the crime took place and is pretty cold-blooded about the murder. Why? And what is she hiding? She has some great lines and is nothing like any other character I have played. That, and the lure of working with Greg and his team made it an easy one to accept.
What was it like working alongside Greg?
Hilarious. A laugh a minute, but straight and honest too. A totally great guy.
Do you have a favourite moment from filming your episode?
Greg doing anything really. Wicky singing to the juke box when he thought no one was looking. Got me every time.
How do you think you would fare as a crime-scene cleaner?
I would be totally useless. I am very squeamish and I wouldn’t sleep for weeks…the image wouldn’t leave my brain. Blood and guts don’t appeal.
Alex Lawther Q&A
Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?
I thought this was a strange young man, taking bits of culture from all over and using them as a means of making money…I liked the idea of playing the fraud.
What was it like working alongside Greg?
He’s very tall and I’m quite short. I think we make quite a pair.
Do you have a favourite moment from filming your episode?
I was near crying with laughter at many moments. Greg is so hard working, he is writing and leading the show, and yet is the funniest person in the room…I have never had such a hard time trying not to laugh during takes.
How do you think you would fare as a crime-scene cleaner?
Not very well. I’m a little squeamish.
Mark Lewis Jones Q&A
Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?
His name is Richard, he's an undertaker and an incredibly upright man and very suited to the rules, he's got a very, very clear idea of what being an undertaker is. What attracted me to the role is you get to see a kind of softer side as the episode progresses. He first appears to be very stiff and straight laced and actually, underneath it all is a softer centre.
What was it like working alongside Greg?
Wonderful. We had a lovely time, it was a great episode, I really enjoyed it. Greg's been somebody who's been in my life through my kids so they were thrilled when I told them I would be working with Greg. We were all staying at a lovely location, in the same hotel and we had a really lovely week.
Do you have a favourite moment from filming your episode?
Well, all of it really! We just had a really fun week and it was really nice to be a part of.
How do you think you would fare as a crime-scene cleaner?
I'd be alright actually. I'm very tidy, what my wife would call OCD, so I’d clean it up to within an inch of its life.
Susannah Fielding Q&A
Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?
Fran Culpepper isn’t my usual casting and that’s exactly what excited me about playing the role. She’s a holey cardigan wearing, cat loving, vegan shoe wearing, do gooder who entirely lacks a sense of humour and takes her job as council officer extremely seriously. She takes absolutely no nonsense from wicky and tries to update him on her version of woke…he proves a challenging student…
What was it like working alongside Greg?
He’s tall isn’t he? And also the loveliest bloke on telly. He had me in stitches from 5am in the morning til we wrapped every night.
Do you have a favourite moment from filming your episode?
I think marching Greg across the bleakest town square in the UK (much like where I grew up!) whilst blindly singing the praises of the town centre ‘improvements’. This episode makes some brilliant points on the sad state of our town centres and the lack of human interest shown by many of the people planning them. But as usual it’s done in a clever, funny way that hits just the right note.
How do you think you would fare as a crime-scene cleaner?
Oh I’d be absolutely terrible... I’ll leave that to wicky. He’s certainly found his calling.
Roisin Conaty Q&A
Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?
My character is part of an inept batshit serial killer couple. She is also really into the mythology of serial killers so she wants to make sure her killings make the grade of the well-known serial killers, she is very camp and heightened, it’s almost like she is playacting as a serial killer but yknow she kills people. It was fun to play someone who was so grandiose & dominant. Also great wig.
What was it like working alongside Greg?
Ah I always love working with Greg, lots of laughs and gossiping between takes. It was a very different dynamic for us as my character has total control over him which was a bit different to Man Down.
Do you have a favourite moment from filming your episode?
When Greg was tied to the chair and I flicked his nose. It was very funny to film and I hope it makes the cut.
How do you think you would fare as a crime-scene cleaner?
I think I would respond like those fainting goats. I’m not good with blood and gore. The smell of a babies nappy can make me dizzy.
Rudi Dharmalingam Q&A
Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?
“Him,’ his actual name is open to debate, is the brains behind the serial killing partnership between himself and ‘Her,’ name also open for discussion. Their operation requires a meticulous approach to killing as many people as possible without getting caught. Outside of his serial killing exploits ‘Him’ is most likely to be found behind a desk at his local council, probably the Planning Department. I imagine he’s always the first person to recognise that the tree that’s just been hacked down was under a Tree Preservation Order and therefore the culprits will be held accountable, with a heavy fine. He’s pragmatic, rational and is quick to adhere to the moment where quitting whilst on top is paramount. He arranges a dog sitter, he packs the killing instruments and always fills the car up with a full tank of petrol. He shops at Trespass, Millets and Mountain Warehouse. He has a National Trust Membership.
I rarely get the chance to do comedy, so when I read this I immediately wanted to do it. The writing is so authentic which means you don’t have to act funny but rather just play the lines for truth and the rest will take care of itself. I grew up watching shows like ‘Who’s Line Is It Anyway,’ ‘The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer’ and ‘The Fast Show’, comedy is a genre that inspirited me from a very early age. It’s great to finally have a chance to do some.
What was it like working alongside Greg?
He’s a joy to be around, very welcoming, kind and supportive.
Do you have a favourite moment from filming your episode?
I think just looking in the mirror for the first time once in full costume was a special moment. The moustache, the hiking boots, the compass and what looked like a festive beanie hat was all a bit overwhelming. It was one of the moments when you realise that most people grow out of this pretend stuff a long time ago and here I am still at it.
How do you think you would fare as a crime-scene cleaner?
I think it takes a certain type of person to deal with that kind of situation. The blood, the trauma , the smell. Not for me thanks.
John Macmillan Q&A
Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?
I’m a huge fan of Greg Davies The Cleaner, so I was thrilled at the opportunity to get to work with him. I love characters that straddle the line between comedy and pathos and Greg had written such a wonderful example of that with Strazzamo.
What was it like working alongside Greg?
Greg is without a doubt one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. He had me crying with laughter on several occasions on set. He is a very generous and open person to work with so it was just a pleasure to work with him really.
How do you think you would fare as a crime-scene cleaner?
I have great respect and gratitude for crime scene cleaners. I don’t know how good I would be at the job!
Joshua McCord Q&A
Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?
Timber works with his older brother Richard (Mark Lewis Jones) for the family run undertakers business and it’s definitely a job he has fallen into, and he has literally fallen most of his life... hence the name Timber. He’s more hapless than helpful and probably the last person you would want to be in-charge of your or a loved ones body “on their final earthly journey” let’s just say he’s not the sharpest tool in the box.
I loved the script when I read it and the way that Timber is infantilised by his brother and tries to assert himself. He’s submissive and constantly trying to prove himself but never getting it quite right, but there’s something tragic and dark about him. I love playing low status characters with an underlying high status desperate to come out and I loved the dynamic between the two brothers, any opportunity to play a role where I can be gormless, not care about what I look like and have fun, I’m there. I was also a huge fan of the show, basically after reading the script I really wanted to do it.
What was it like working alongside Greg?
AWFUL. He’s a nasty piece of work. He’s lovely. I had such a great time, it can be quite daunting when your acting with the person that’s written the script but Greg was incredibly generous and supportive and of course funny, so he really put me at ease.
Do you have a favourite moment from filming your episode?
I really had a brilliant time, it’s hard to think of a specific moment. I loved working with and getting to know everyone. It was really hard trying not to corpse in scenes with Mark and Greg, they’re both very funny on and off camera. Trying to hold back laughter when filming is the worst but best feeling. But you don’t want to mess up a take for the crew. Mark had a line in a scene that nearly got me every time, the camera was on me for a take and I had to pinch my leg at one stage, so I guess it’s a worst and best moment all at the same time.
How do you think you would fare as a crime-scene cleaner?
Oh I would be absolutely useless. I’m more of a Tidier than a cleaner and I’m pretty squeamish. I also have an awful gag reflex to bad smells... my toddler is potty training at the moment and cleaning up his crime scenes is just about as far as I can go...
Louis Emerick Q&A
Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?
My character, Vince, he's the handyman of the centre, “chilled, laid back" takes the two "right on do-gooders" in his stride! What attracted me to the role? Simple, the opportunity to work with Greg Davies, a brilliantly funny man! They say, never meet your hero's, well no problem there, he was everything...and more! Plus, working with, the delightful Zoë Wannamaker again after 30+yrs,was a beautiful bonus!!
What was it like working alongside Greg?
"What was is like working with Greg? and what was the most enjoyable part? I think it's all in the first Q! What I liked above all was, with Greg also being co-writer, it meant he had the power and foresight to amend dialogue, on the set, which is "gold" for any actor! I had a long speech towards the end of the ep, and Greg, took it from its original form, to give it a bit of "edge" and it worked beautifully!