John Hannah discusses on-set injuries and new role in Benidorm is Murder
Actor John Hannah humorously recounts sustaining a black eye while filming a drama for Channel 5, explaining, “I’m probably the only actor who can injure himself while lying down, pretending to be unconscious.” The 64-year-old Scot, noted for his poignant recitation of Auden’s poem “Funeral Blues” in Four Weddings and a Funeral, indicated that this mishap was just one of many accidents throughout his career, reports BritPanorama.
Hannah has been accident-prone on sets, often due to his poor eyesight on one side, which leads to falls and collisions. His most significant injury occurred during the filming of the first Mummy film, where he described a scene involving zombies chasing him into some bushes. He recounted an incident where he fell due to slippery soles and ended up fainting, prompting him to grab co-star Rachel Weisz’s hand for support. “That’s the take that’s in the film too,” he added with a grin.
Following the incident, he was taken to a clinic, where he discovered he had fractured his left wrist. Hannah adapted to his injury by using a scarf to conceal a splint for the remainder of the shoot. His breakthrough role in the 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral eventually led him to leading roles, including opposite Gwyneth Paltrow in Sliding Doors, a transition marked by cultural adjustments for the actor from East Kilbride.
Reflecting on his life, Hannah shared anecdotes from his childhood, including his upbringing in a home belonging to a toolmaker and a cleaner, as well as his initial aspirations to become a footballer before pursuing acting. Recalling his years selling net curtains on a market stall to support himself while studying at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, he expressed how he imagined being part of gritty dramas in the style of directors like Ken Loach and Mike Leigh.
He noted that the fame he garnered post-Four Weddings brought its own challenges: “I struggled with feeling watched.” Hannah recalled the intense media scrutiny of the 1990s, where celebrities were pursued by tabloids eager for scandalous stories, making public outings stressful, especially during a time when drinking was common among colleagues on set.
His recent work includes a role in Channel 5’s new cozy crime series, Benidorm is Murder, where he plays a former detective turned bar owner. The series draws comparison to BBC’s Death in Paradise, as his character teams up with a young barmaid to solve resort murders. Hannah remarked on the balance between comedic elements and the more serious undertones of the series.
Despite the juxtaposition of his character, he clarified that the beer he drinks on set is non-alcoholic, noting the comedic challenge it presents, especially during speeches. His fondness for the quirky culture in Benidorm reflects a personal connection, as he considers his late parents might have enjoyed retiring in the area due to its affordability and warm climate.
Traveling for him evokes fond memories, particularly interrailing in his twenties. “I was young enough to sleep on the floor, stick our stuff in the station lockers, and walk down the beach to use public showers. Amazing.” Yet, he acknowledges that his friendliness sometimes leads to trouble, recalling fights initiated by strangers in his youth.
Reflecting on a recent night out during the filming of Spartacus, he described an unexpected confrontation with local women. He quipped about the significance of avoiding nightlife in fear of altercations. On the topic of his future endeavors, Hannah dismissed the idea of ever opening a bar, laughably claiming, “I couldn’t cope with the brawling.” He expressed contentment with his current roles, indicating he has shed the insecurities of his earlier career.
‘Benidorm is Murder’ premieres tonight at 9pm on Channel 5.
