'It really was a huge honour'

 

  • Lorne MacFadyen played the part of Bobby Moore in ITV drama series Tina and Bobby
  • Scottish actor relished taking on the role of West Ham United and England's greatest captain
  • Twenty-six year old championed the work of the Moore Family Foundation

As acting jobs go, they do not get much better than playing a national icon.

For Lorne MacFadyen, that meant taking on the role of the late, great West Ham United and England captain Bobby Moore in the acclaimed ITV drama Tina and Bobby.

Cast opposite award-winning actress Michelle Keegan, who played Bobby’s first wife Tina, MacFadyen spent endless hours researching the role of the legendary No6, perfecting his mannerisms and distinctive east London accent.

Lorne MacFadyen
For the Isle of Skye-born 26-year-old, who only embarked on an acting career in 2014, the challenge was one he relished.

“It really was a huge honour to take on such an iconic role,” MacFadyen told West Ham TV. “It was a huge surprise for me and a massive honour to take on the part, as Bobby is such a legend to so many people, not only in this part of the world but everywhere.

“Everyone appreciates what a true gentleman and sporting icon Bobby Moore was.

“I watched a lot of interviews with Bobby and I read Tina Moore’s book, which the series is based on, to get an insight into what he was like not only on the pitch, but off the pitch as well, which was really important for the story we were telling.

“In terms of the accent, I just sort of mimicked what I had watched and I hope I did a good job. It was an ongoing process as, even though we had started filming, I kept on perfecting it all the way through.”

It was a huge surprise for me and a massive honour to take on the part, as Bobby is such a legend to so many people, not only in this part of the world but everywhere

Lorne MacFadyen

Tina and Bobby attracted more than five million viewers to each of its three episodes, which were screened earlier this year in a prime-time Friday evening slot. The series won widespread praise from critics, leaving MacFadyen feeling immensely proud.

“You just have to do your job and hope that people appreciate your telling of the story, that’s the main thing,” he said, modestly. “It was an incredible journey that Bobby went on with his wife Tina, an incredible rollercoaster for them both and I’ve had a lot of great support. Everyone has been very kind, so it’s been great.

“Michelle was an absolute gem on set and really welcoming. I’m obviously not quite as experienced as her, as I’m quite new to the acting game. It was really nice to have someone to have a laugh with and she’s a great actress and really talented as well.”

Lorne MacFadyen
MacFadyen was invited to London Stadium by Bobby’s daughter Roberta for the Premier League fixture with Manchester City on 1 February, where he was part of the Moore Family Foundation awareness match.

Founded in 2014, the Foundation has provided life-changing opportunities for more than 10,000 Year 6 students in Newham, Tower Hamlets, Barking & Dagenham, Thurrock, Brentwood and Basildon. Trust mentors will support pupils with literacy and numeracy, while the children also visit London Stadium to experience an authentic Hammers matchday for themselves.

“It’s a huge honour to visit London Stadium with Roberta and see the Bobby Moore Stand as well.,” the actor confirmed. “It’s a special night.

“It’s an incredible thing. You have your football club who you support, which is a ritual which you follow every matchday, but I think it’s good that there are other things to get involved with, like making changes in the community, which is fantastic.”