Magazine


Revelling in his second chance

by David Henry
24/ 3/2005

JOHN Leslie is trying to rebuild his life.

The former television presenter, whose career was destroyed in 2002 following allegations about his conduct towards women, has now taken to the stage in a bid to revive his fortunes.

He is making his acting debut in a new production of the classic Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice.

And in a clever piece of casting, he is to play the despicable Mr Wickham, English literature's ultimate love rat and one of Jane Austen's most memorable villains.

It's the first time Leslie has worked since his life was thrown into turmoil two years ago.

He was named as the alleged attacker of fellow TV star Ulrika Jonsson, an accusation he has always denied. The former weather-girl accused an unnamed TV presenter of raping her in her 2002 autobiography. Leslie was implicated by the media and then found himself at the centre of a string of sex allegations. As a result, he was axed from his job on Granada's This Morning show.

He was later cleared of two charges of sexual assault against a woman. The judge said he left court "without a stain on his character".

But he was damaged goods and work dried up, and the situation wasn't helped by a string of scandals involving him and now ex-girlfriend Abi Titmuss.

So will acting be his salvation?

Beyond pantomime, Leslie has never acted professionally. But when offered the role of Wickham, working alongside veteran performers like Sylvester McCoy and Rula Lenska, he jumped at the opportunity.

"I was approached, auditioned, and got the part. It was unbelievable really," he said.

"But I decided to go with it because I like a challenge and didn't have anything to lose.

"Before this job I had zero, nada. I hadn't worked for two years and it was killing me.

"The worst thing about what I've been through was what happened afterwards. No one wanted to employ me.

"I just didn't know what I was going to do. I thought about setting up a dot com business or moving to Spain. But then this job came out of the blue and offered me a lifeline.

"It saved my life. That sounds dramatic but it's true. I'm so grateful someone has given me a chance."

Acting has been a steep learning curve for Leslie, who made his name presenting shows like Blue Peter, Wheel Of Fortune and Style Challenge.

He says: "My TV experience has helped but acting is really a whole new discipline. I didn't know what stage fright was before this. On our opening night I was as white as a ghost and I couldn't see my hand in front of my face.

"But I'm getting more used to it now and the other actors have been very supportive."

Casting him as Wickham certainly raised a few eyebrows. The character is a complex man, charming but wicked at the same time. He uses his looks to manipulate women, attempts to blackmail the hero Mr Darcy, and elopes with the heroine's youngest sister.

Leslie says: "He's a cad. He's not a bad person. He just doesn't have any morals. He's someone who just got on the wrong side of the tracks."

Now that he is working again, things are starting to look up for Leslie.

"Before it was like I was under house arrest. I couldn't leave home without the press following me.

"Now I'm having a fantastic time and the reaction of the public to the play has been superb," he says.

He might not have received much loyalty from TV bosses but his former colleagues, including Yvette Fielding and Anthea Turner, have stood by Leslie through thick and thin.

And at times things have been very thin.

"I haven't done anything wrong yet I've been through some pretty terrible times," he said.

"But I'm a big boy and I've had incredible support from my family and friends. And in the end I'm ok. I've not lost a loved one or had a marriage break down.

"I've come out of this a stronger person.

"I think I'm less foolhardy now and more guarded.

"And I'm determined not to let any one drag me down."

Pride and Prejudice is at the Palace Theatre, Manchester from Wednesday.


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