Party Animals
Andrew Buchan plays long-term Labour supporter and lobbyist Scott Foster
"It's survival of the fittest and he's just trying to pave his way."
Is Scott addicted to the adrenaline of his job and lifestyle?
"Scott never seems to take his foot off the gas. He's one of those city lads who are constantly trying to do the four-minute mile in three.
"But I definitely think there's a side to Scott, which he doesn't like to reveal, that quite likes the occasional evening in with his brother, having a packet of crisps and watching the news with the sound off, so you can guess what they're saying.
"Scott loves and cares for his brother big time, and I think sometimes he wishes his life could be as simple as Danny's. Scott admires his brother's loyalty towards people and, despite the fact that he mocks Danny for being a researcher, there's something in Danny's work ethic and the principles by which he stands that eventually forces Scott to reconsider his lifestyle and fight for something more important."
Tell us about his job as a lobbyist...
"His job's pretty much about the chase. It's about the gift of the gab, no rules and whatever seems to fit. It's high-risk and multi-tasking.
"There's a bit of gentle seduction here and there … it's about showing bundles of fake interest and being seen at the right parties. It's about letting huge firms that you know nothing about believe that you believe 100 per cent in what they're about.
Was your performance as Scott inspired by anyone in particular?
"Two people in particular inspired me. One was a mate from Wigan and the other a mate from Bolton. These are two lads who could charm the hind legs off a shire horse. One of them was one of the few guys in his University who managed to get a room in the all-girls' college…"
What is his relationship like with his boss, Stephen?
"The best thing Scott could do is learn to shush. The truth of the situation is that Stephen, who is played by Colin Salmon, could kick Scott's a**e from here to the third Sunday after Pentecost.
"And when Colin Salmon's eyes turn on the terror, you sure as hell know about it. He's a fantastic actor to work with. Very generous and insightful, cracking wit on him and he's a gent. But he does have a certain look that crunches its way through your bones.
"Scott gets ticked off with Stephen because he's all money and power and, at times, pretty numb. Whatever people think Scott's about, he does have a heart and is quite sensitive – he just talks a good game."
And what about with Ashika?
"She's the middle and both ends of a beautiful girl and she seems to tap straight into him somehow.
"Ashika brings something to Scott's life that he's never had before. Maybe for him, it's chasing the enemy but I think it's a whole lot more. She's that secret girl that makes the heart beat a second or two faster.
"But Ashika is always slightly out of reach and I think that keeps him wondering. She's that twinkling 25th hour on the eighth day that he longs to see. She's all that … but she's a Tory."
Do you think Scott embodies the phrase "Party Animal"?
"I think everyone in the show lets a smidgeon of the animal out at times. You see them debate something in the House and, just as they turn to leave, you catch a glimpse of a tail.
"It's nice being able to show the teeth marks behind the politics. Scott's just one among many in the real world – it's survival of the fittest and he's just trying to pave his way. And, yes, come nightfall he's on a pretty big prowl."
What did you enjoy most about filming the series?
"A lot of the location shoots around Westminster were pretty exciting. I loved doing the evening scenes with Shelley [Conn, who plays Ashika] near Big Ben, looking out onto the London Eye – it was very atmospheric."
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