EastEnders legend June Brown on why testing gadgets didn't calm her fears about modern technology in Hard to Please OAPs
June Brown is not a fan of modern technology! ITV’s fun six-part series Hard to Please OAPs sees June, AKA EastEnders Dot Branning, join seven other tough-talking celebrity pensioners - fellow actresses Amanda Barrie and Ruth Madoc, singer Sheila Ferguson, former political reporter John Sergeant, King of the Jungle Harry Redknapp, Jack Whitehall’s dad Michael and entertainer Lionel Blair - to test state-of-the-art gadgets. But the time-saving gizmos don’t win over the uncompromising veteran stars...
Here, EastEnders legend June tells TV Times about Hard to Please OAPs…
TV Times: What do you make of modern technology?
June Brown: “I’m technology illiterate; I’m useless at it. I don't bother with computers. I can use an ordinary mobile. But with mobiles now, all these funny things come up when I just want to make calls. Then there’s text speak like, ‘C U 2moro’. It’s like hieroglyphics.”
TVT: Are you concerned what the future might bring in terms of technology?
JB: “It’s horrible. Imagine having a robot in your sitting room. I don't suppose it could develop a brain, but it might decide to put a knife in you! I wouldn’t trust it. I don't know what’ll happen - maybe the end of the world.”
TVT: You're 92 now, how do you stay feeling young?
JB: “I’m thankful my brain still works but I just don’t consider myself old. If you think you’re old, you will be old. Everybody thinks about age now though and how 90-year-old or 72-year-old so-and-so looks marvellous for their age in bathing costumes. But they’ve probably had a lot done!”
TVT: You’re on a break from EastEnders at the moment but do you still love playing Dot?
JB: “Yes, as long as her words fit her and the character doesn’t suddenly change – maybe I am hard to please! They are very good to me there though. And I still like the fact that as soon as you act, you come alive.”
Hard to Please OAPs airs on Tuesday 9 April at 8.30pm
