George Turner is the breakout star from the hilarious new Dekkoo series, Peckham Mix…
By Jamie Booth
George Turner stars as Josh in Peckham Mix, a lighthearted comedy about the struggles of finding a new direction in life after being dumped by a boyfriend.
In the four-part Dekkoo-original series, Josh moves into an apartment on Weston Street in Peckham with some colourful new roommates. One guy is grumpy, coarse and brash. The other wears his heart on his sparkly neon pink sleeve. Josh has nothing in common with either of them, but he is intrigued by their mysterious late-night excursions. His curiosity may lead to deadly consequences.
Turner says he was drawn to Peckham Mix because he related to his character. “Like Josh, I have experienced having the rug pulled out from underneath me,” he admits. “I’ve hit rock bottom and been forced to find my own route through life’s rubble.”
While Turner’s fall wasn’t as comical as Josh’s, he says that when he looks back, he realizes that it is through the obstacles that he has grown the most. We spoke with the dashing young actor from London, where he was performing in a new stage show.
Where are we right now?
We’re in the dressing room at the National Theatre. I’m performing in Dancing at Lughnasa tonight!
Fancy! How long has it been since you’ve filmed Peckham Mix?
It’s been a good five months since filming ended.
What have you been up to since?
Nothing much. Until I got this show at the National, I had been avoiding the temptation to not look out of the window in the morning…so I had something to do in the afternoon.
Have you kept in touch with any of your castmates from the series?
Yes, I have! Janak [Janak Nirmal, who plays Connor], Kane [Kane Surry, who plays Rex] and I grew close throughout the project. We really bonded, similar to how the characters grow as roommates.
How are you similar to Josh?
I am an over-thinker and worrier. Also, we both part our hair in the middle.
How are you different?
I’m a bit more adventurous and spontaneous than Josh. At least, I hope I am. I’m willing to be daring and do unexpected things from time to time.
When was the last time you were dumped?
About six years ago.
Who would be foolish enough to kick you to the curb?
It was my fault. I was too guarded to let go and be seen. Trust was lost, and I never fully appreciated my luck until it was gone.
Josh’s roommate drama in Peckham Mix is hilarious. Can you relate?
Absolutely. I had a flatmate from hell; a real charmer. He had anger management issues and was so jealous and resentful. He ended up being verbally abusive.
What did you do?
I went to the landlord and told him it was an illegal sublet. The rest wrote itself.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My hyperactive brain. It often becomes a noisy neighbour.
On what occasion are you willing to tell a lie?
If the outcome outweighs the negative effects, to all parties involved.
What’s one vice you wish you could give up?
Sweets. I love pick n’ mix!
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
After a stage performance, an audience member once told me, ‘That was good – you must be a professional actor.’
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Quiet and peaceful self-acceptance.
Boxers or briefs?
Boxers…always black.
What are the three things you can’t live without?
My tennis racquet, guitar and sense of humour.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
I once travelled all the way to Helsinki to surprise a special someone that I fancied from drama school.
Would you ever go back to being a fashion model?
In a heartbeat, if for nothing else but the feel of a new suit.
What would you be if you weren’t an actor? Could you ever see yourself in an office job?
I would be crying at my desk.
If you could switch lives with one person for a day, who would it be?
King Charles. A king for just a day.
What is one piece of life advice that you wish you could give Josh in Peckham Mix?
Embrace change. Don’t resist the tides already shifting around you. Swim with them.
Peckham Mix premiered on Dekkoo on June 15. For more information, visit Dekkoo.com.
JAMES BOOTH is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado. He describes entertainment writing as a pleasant distraction that takes him to places unknown and fulfills his need for intellectual stimulus, emotional release, and a soothing of the breaks and bruises of the day.
POST A COMMENT