Post by althea on Dec 28, 2011 3:33:30 GMT -5
The Christmas star is homeward bound
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Thursday, November 17, 2011
Western Gazette - North Dorset
A SOMERSET born and bred actor is getting back in touch with his country roots by spending the Christmas period in the area.
James Purefoy, who grew up in Martock and worked as a porter at Yeovil District Hospital in the 1980s before breaking into acting, is revisiting his favourite parts of Somerset as the festive season begins
Speaking exclusively to the Western Gazette, Purefoy said: "I've recently bought a property in the area so I'm spending time reconnecting with Somerset at the moment.
"I spent a weekend in November up at Ham Hill, one of my favourite places.
"It's such a lovely spot and great to take guests. You can see for miles and point out so many things.
"I like it because I can point out my childhood; where I grew up, where I had my first kiss."
The 47-year-old is best known for roles such as Mark Antony in the BBC television series Rome and appearances in Resident Evil, Solomon Kane, The Mayor Of Casterbridge and A Knight's Tale, as well as stints on the stage, parts with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and appearing in this year's ITV series Injustice.
A Somerset Christmas is an annual event for the actor and his family, says Purefoy.
"Christmas was always incredibly exciting as a child. Our mother always loved doing the tree and until we were about 14-years-old we used to do this with her but we secretly loathed it.
"Television programmes such as Morecambe and Wise were always a popular watch on Christmas Day when I was younger but now we have too many channels to choose from.
"I think there is less of a community spirit for watching television these days."
This Christmas, Purefoy plans to make the most of the food, the countryside and the football.
"My sister lives on the Somerset Levels and I spend the season here every year," he says.
"I love going for walks and will be wandering over to Muchelney after the festive lunch this year.
"Now I look forward to helping getting the foods ready. Stilton is a great Christmas cheese and I only ever eat it at this time of year.
"Montgomery cheddar is another favourite. I'll be as fat as a house after Christmas so I'll making sure I exercise a lot in the run-up to the occasion.
"I'm not a huge fan of turkey so I prefer goose or even a Christmas roast beef on the day. Gammon and a range of cold meats, salads and other dishes are reserved for a feast on Boxing Day."
Purefoy's sporting loyalties still remain in the area and he is a dedicated Yeovil Town supporter.
He says: "I can't wait for them to beat Charlton on Boxing Day. I'm hoping to get down to the match."
James admits he is even a fan of doing the Christmas shopping, saying: "I don't shy away from the big crowds at Christmas. "I like getting out there and being involved, especially if I'm in London, where there is such a great variety."
The actor may be taking it easy in the run-up to Christmas, but Purefoy revealed a few new ventures in the pipeline for the New Year.
He said: "I'm free as a bird at the moment but reading plenty of scripts and writing also. I'm travelling to Los Angeles in January to work on a few projects.
"I'm a big fan of the Western Gazette. It's a great read and I buy it every time I come to Somerset."
Borrowed from Holly, thanks, over on her Live Journal site
Trusted article source icon
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Western Gazette - North Dorset
A SOMERSET born and bred actor is getting back in touch with his country roots by spending the Christmas period in the area.
James Purefoy, who grew up in Martock and worked as a porter at Yeovil District Hospital in the 1980s before breaking into acting, is revisiting his favourite parts of Somerset as the festive season begins
Speaking exclusively to the Western Gazette, Purefoy said: "I've recently bought a property in the area so I'm spending time reconnecting with Somerset at the moment.
"I spent a weekend in November up at Ham Hill, one of my favourite places.
"It's such a lovely spot and great to take guests. You can see for miles and point out so many things.
"I like it because I can point out my childhood; where I grew up, where I had my first kiss."
The 47-year-old is best known for roles such as Mark Antony in the BBC television series Rome and appearances in Resident Evil, Solomon Kane, The Mayor Of Casterbridge and A Knight's Tale, as well as stints on the stage, parts with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and appearing in this year's ITV series Injustice.
A Somerset Christmas is an annual event for the actor and his family, says Purefoy.
"Christmas was always incredibly exciting as a child. Our mother always loved doing the tree and until we were about 14-years-old we used to do this with her but we secretly loathed it.
"Television programmes such as Morecambe and Wise were always a popular watch on Christmas Day when I was younger but now we have too many channels to choose from.
"I think there is less of a community spirit for watching television these days."
This Christmas, Purefoy plans to make the most of the food, the countryside and the football.
"My sister lives on the Somerset Levels and I spend the season here every year," he says.
"I love going for walks and will be wandering over to Muchelney after the festive lunch this year.
"Now I look forward to helping getting the foods ready. Stilton is a great Christmas cheese and I only ever eat it at this time of year.
"Montgomery cheddar is another favourite. I'll be as fat as a house after Christmas so I'll making sure I exercise a lot in the run-up to the occasion.
"I'm not a huge fan of turkey so I prefer goose or even a Christmas roast beef on the day. Gammon and a range of cold meats, salads and other dishes are reserved for a feast on Boxing Day."
Purefoy's sporting loyalties still remain in the area and he is a dedicated Yeovil Town supporter.
He says: "I can't wait for them to beat Charlton on Boxing Day. I'm hoping to get down to the match."
James admits he is even a fan of doing the Christmas shopping, saying: "I don't shy away from the big crowds at Christmas. "I like getting out there and being involved, especially if I'm in London, where there is such a great variety."
The actor may be taking it easy in the run-up to Christmas, but Purefoy revealed a few new ventures in the pipeline for the New Year.
He said: "I'm free as a bird at the moment but reading plenty of scripts and writing also. I'm travelling to Los Angeles in January to work on a few projects.
"I'm a big fan of the Western Gazette. It's a great read and I buy it every time I come to Somerset."
Borrowed from Holly, thanks, over on her Live Journal site