Freddie (JACK FARTHING), Connie (JENNIFER SAUNDERS), Clarence (TIMOTHY SPALL), Beach (MARK WILLIAMS) – (C) Mammoth – Photographer: Aidan Monaghan
NOW THAT the dust has settled, and BBC period drama ‘Blandings’, has concluded, Lord John Crichton, of Crom Castle reflected on a momentous period for the county.
Speaking to the Herald, he said: “I have hugely enjoyed the series and found it very well written and very amusing in parts. It almost got better as each episode continued.
“I did see myself on screen and just glad that I kept a straight face during filming. David Walliams and Jennifer Saunders did not make it easy to keep us looking serious.
“My highlights have got to be working alongside such wonderful actors and spending time with them. I also loved getting to know how each department works and why they do what they do. Appearing on screen was definitely a highlight.”
As a result of the show, Crom has been very much in the public eye, with the BBC show, ‘Keeping the Castle’ coming as a direct result of the publicity.
Lord Crichton is already looking to the future and would love another series to be filmed at the picturesque Fermanagh estate.
“The Castle and the estate has undoubtedly had more publicity in the last six weeks than we could ever imagine. The documentary, ‘Keeping the Castle’ drew massive interest as well, so I do believe that Crom and The West Wing are firmly on the map now.”
He went on: “We are keeping our fingers crossed for a second series, but we just don’t know at the moment. There will obviously be a rigorous post mortem at the BBC now it has finished.”
With a host of Fermanagh faces having appeared on our screens over the past six weeks, and with the county gaining valuable exposure, further television recognition is surely inevitable, but for now, John is just happy to reflect on a wonderful experience for all those at Crom Castle.