Bolton writer pens serious role for a TV comic (From Chorley Citizen)

Bolton writer pens serious role for a TV comic

6:09pm Monday 12th February 2007 in Leisure By Kat Dibbits

WHEN Bolton author Kate Long wrote her first novel, The Bad Mother's Handbook, she didn't even expect it to be published - but now the book is being made into a major ITV series starring Catherine Tate.

The comic actress, who rose to fame playing characters such as Lauren Cooper, an argumentative teenage girl who gets out of awkward situations by repeating her catchphrase, "Am I bovvered?" tackles a more serious role as Karen, a harassed mum and housewife.

Kate, aged 42, a former Bolton School pupil who grew up in Blackrod, said it had been a pleasure to work with Tate.

"She wanted to play the part quite seriously, she didn't want it to be an extension of her comedy show or anything. It's billed as a comedy drama, but she put the emphasis more on the drama than the comedy."

The Bad Mother's Handbook - Kate's first novel - became publishing house Picador's best-selling fiction title for 2004, and has since been translated into 20 languages.

The story centres on three generations of Bolton women, a daughter, played by Holly Grainger, mother Tate, and a grandmother, played by Anne Reid, and their conflicts.

Life has been a disappointment for Karen, and when she is offered the chance to go on a school trip to Paris, she jumps at the chance to escape. But as family secrets suddenly come to light, the three women's lives are unlikely to be the same again.

Fans had a chance to meet the author when she appeared at the Aspull and Standish Libraries' February Fiction Festival last week.

Also in the audience were Kate's parents, Margaret and John Green, who still live in Blackrod.

l The series will start next Monday, February 19.