INTERVIEW
possibility of returning to the Island
to live at some stage. He continued:
“I think when I get a bit older and
my commitments aren’t as demanding
as they currently are, the prospect of
coming back would be a lovely one if,
for no other reason, than to spend time
with the special people who live here.”
Phill has been a team captain on
‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’ since its
inception in 1996. He was joined by
fellow captain Noel Fielding in 2009,
but the show runs without as regular
host. Phill reflected: “What’s nice
about it is the show feels a lot more
organic now. Without a regular host
you’re more responsible to make sure
everybody has a good time.
“Noel and I both want everyone to
have a laugh, whereas with the regular
hosts it had a much more focused
direction. I think it’s a bit more
scattergun now and more variable as a
result of that, but I don’t think that’s
necessarily a bad thing; it certainly
makes it fun to work on, and I love
working with Noel.”
Phill is currently waiting to hear
whether ‘Buzzcocks’ will be back for
22
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another series in the autumn, He is
confident, saying: “I’ve been on it since
it started so it’s been a real part of what
I’ve done in entertainment. It will be
the 17th year if this one happens.
“I always think the reason
‘Buzzcocks’ has got the
longevity is because the new
people on it each week
outnumber the regulars,
and even more so now it’s
only me and Noel who
are the regulars, so we’ve
got five new people every
week. We’re the glue that
holds people together.”
The household names
who have appeared on the
show include Terry Wogan,
Lorraine Kelly, Cilla Black and
Dale Winton. Phill’s wish list still
includes Paul O’Grady and Bruce
Forsyth. He said: “I always find it
weird when I’m working with people
I’m a fan of; it’s difficult. You have to
kind of stop being a fan and get on
with the work thing.”
Phill will be heading to the
Edinburgh Festival later this year for