Sponsored by
My Yorkshire: Karl Davies
Actor Karl Davies, 26, played heart-throb Robert Sugden in Emmerdale for six years – the third actor to play the young farmer in the soap. He now plays solicitor Lyle Anderson in Kingdom, opposite Stephen Fry.
What's your first Yorkshire memory?
I must have been in my early teens, and I went for an audition for the series Heartbeat and my grandfather drove me across to Leeds on the M62. We took that sliproad off towards the studios, and I remember that I thought that it all looked like an American city – all the high rise flats and office buildings, very impressive. I didn't get the job, but the casting director asked me to return not long afterwards, and I got a part in Fat Friends, and then, not long after that, Emmerdale.
What's your favourite part of the county, and why?
York. I've had some wonderful weekends there. The Theatre Royal, some great bars, and one of the best milkshake bars in the world called the Milk Shack.
What's your idea of a perfect day, or a perfect weekend, in Yorkshire?
Being in Leeds with my mates, and going to a couple of bars, just for an ale or two and a good chat. And then on to Roundhay Park to play Frisbee Golf. You don't know what that is? You pick out a particular tree as a starting point, and fling the Frisbee at it, and if you hit it, it's a hole in one. The hitter, or the nearest to the tree, has the next go, moving on with other trees and landmarks. I'm going to patent that one.
Do you have a favourite walk, or view?
When I was in Emmerdale, I used to go jogging in all the breaks – and usually in the morning before shooting started, and there's a great reservoir on the Harewood estate near the Emmerdale set, which is perfect to run around. It's stunning. I never tired of it.
Which Yorkshire sportsman, past or present, would you like to take for lunch?
Alan Smith, the footballer who moved from Leeds to Manchester United, just to ask him why he did it, did he think that it was a dangerous move, and to get to him explain the reasons why, and how it affected his career. I'd be fascinated to listen to him.
Which Yorkshire stage or screen star, past or present, would you like to take for dinner?
Am I allowed two of them? I would be privileged to take Sir Michael Parkinson to a restaurant with Jeremy Clarkson as the other guest, to get them started, and to sit back, saying nothing, to listen to the fireworks going off. Brilliant. I wouldn't get a word in edgeways, but who cares?
If you had to name your Yorkshire "hidden gem" what would it be?
Well, it's not at all hidden, but it's the gem of the east coast, Scarborough. It's everything that a British seaside town should be – a little bit vulgar, a little bit sophisticated, a little bit traditional, a little bit new. Great air, nice people and a complete resort town.
What do you think give Yorkshire its unique identity?
The way that the cities are great – but easily left behind. I was born in Manchester, and that city has taken over communities for miles around. It's a sprawl. In Yorkshire, you get a great urban centre in the big cities and towns, but then you are out of them pretty quickly and into terrific countryside, usually in about 10 minutes. That's unique I think.
Do you follow sport in the county and if so, what?
I am a huge fan of Yorkshire cricket, and I always watch to see how the county side is playing, and how all the local teams are getting on. I'd rather watch them than any international, any day. I was lucky enough to play at Headingley in a big charity match once – our side was thrashed, but the opportunity to be on that pitch and to go behind the scenes was a great honour.
What about Yorkshire's cultural life?
I think that the music scene in Leeds takes a lot of beating. Great jazz, lots of indie bands, and so many venues, from big halls to rooms above and at the back of pubs. A truly amazing vibe to it all.
Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub, and if so, what?
Bibis, in Leeds, which is very Fifties, Sinatra and Rat Pack themed. It's not cheap, but when I was living in the city it was a regular haunt – very friendly and fun.
Do you have a favourite food shop?
There's a place called Wrap and Roll in Chapel Allerton, Leeds which, as you might guess from the name, is a sandwich joint that serves amazing stuff. Their sesame seed baps are five star, and they sustained me for the seven or eight years I lived there.
How do you think that Yorkshire has changed, for better or for worse, in the time that you've known it?
A little of each. The city has developed a lot in Leeds, the skyline is even more American than when I first saw it. There's a buzz, despite the recession, and I admire the indomitable sense of humour. But I weep when I see what YTV is going through – a huge producing house with vibrant studios, now reduced to a shell. I hope that it is a case of waiting to re-open and re-build, and not of demolition.
Who is the Yorkshire person you most admire?
Nell McAndrew. Because she's a talented lady who also does a lot of work for others, and who is, well, very admirable in other ways as well.
Has Yorkshire influenced your work?
I was in Emmerdale, for Pete's sake, the Yorkshire soap, with a cast second to none, and a great team both behind and in front of, the camera. I was very privileged to work there, and I am grateful for the experience. What a break that was for a young actor.
Name your favourite Yorkshire book/CD/performer/artist/author?
There's a band called The Music who have had three great CDs so far, and who still aren't that well known, but they are brilliant and original, and they deserve huge recognition, which will surely come. They're an indie rock outfit, and I can't wait for them to hit the big time.
If a stranger to Yorkshire only had time to visit one place, it would be…?
That milkshake bar in York, or, otherwise, Roundhay Park, which is a marvellous green lung in the middle of a wonderful city. If you live in Leeds and you don't go to Roundhay regularly, well, you don't know what you are missing. Watch out for the Frisbees, though.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Rival chips in with £500,000 to restore the original Harry Ramsden’s
- SportsTalk: Leeds United’s manager search, Super League and Calcutta Cup
- Visit from Princess as Serbian culture celebrated
- Strategic review will lead to job losses at Yorkshire Bank
- NHS spends £20m a year on translators and interpreters
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Yorkshire
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -5 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
