The Surprising Side of Greg Davies
Greg Davies is a name that often comes up in the world of British comedy, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. While many know him for his roles as stern authority figures like Taskmaster and Mr. Gilbert on The Inbetweeners, few are aware of just how large he actually is. This revelation came to light when I met him at Bafta HQ ahead of the TV Awards.
It was an awkward start, as I gormlessly greeted him with, “You’re bloody massive.” However, Greg’s response was far from what I expected. Instead of being offended, he laughed it off, showing that he’s not only a big presence but also a big-hearted person. During our 30-minute chat, it became clear that despite playing strict characters, Greg is essentially a big kid at heart.
But there’s more to Greg than just his size and humor. He has a deep connection with his work, especially with The Inbetweeners. Although the show has been off the air for a while, there are rumors of a new movie in the works. Greg is aware of the talks, but he isn’t sure if his character, Mr. Gilbert, will return. His reaction? A dramatic outburst about taking down those responsible if he’s excluded from the film.
This kind of over-the-top reaction has become part of Greg’s persona. However, when it comes to the TV Baftas, he’s bringing something different: genetically ingrained pessimism. Greg admits that this negative outlook is a family trait, passed down from his mother. He expects the worst but hopes for the best, which is a unique approach to life.
Despite his humorous take on things, Greg doesn’t recommend this mindset to others. He acknowledges that it’s a very negative way of thinking, but it’s deeply ingrained in him. Interestingly, when the topic of disaster came up, Greg quickly shifted the conversation, pointing out that the negativity is internal and family-based.
A Show of Resentment
One of the topics Greg was more than happy to discuss was the lack of nominations for his show, Taskmaster. This led to some playful teasing of his co-star, Little Alex Horne. Greg joked that Alex might not even be in the room this year, which delights him. He finds it amusing that he’s hosting a show that Alex isn’t even invited to.
When asked about the on-screen animosity between him and Alex, Greg admitted that some of it is real. He explained that Alex’s jokes during the opening monologue often irritate him. Greg believes Alex deliberately tries to get under his skin, which leads to some comedic tension on the show.
In terms of payback, Greg has a unique method. He mentioned that the arbitrary scoring system on Taskmaster is his revenge. When he gives two contestants the same score, it causes frustration for Alex, who prefers everything to be neatly categorized.
Teaching Stories and Career Highlights
Of course, no interview with Greg would be complete without a teaching story. His infamous tale of “pooing himself” on Graham Norton’s show is a legendary moment. Greg shared an untold gem about a time he took six boys to the headmaster’s office after catching them smoking marijuana behind his drama studio.
The story unfolded with a twist, as the bag they had turned out to be filled with rosemary, not weed. The boys were so high that they convinced themselves they were stoned. Greg found the situation amusing, and it turned into a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Greg’s story about the “faecal Jackson Pollock” incident remains one of Tom Percival’s favorite Graham Norton clips. When asked about any regrets, Greg expressed none. He loved seeing Ryan Gosling laugh at the story and was particularly pleased when Jodie Foster giggled. It was a moment that highlighted the cultural impact of such a personal anecdote.
Final Thoughts
As the Bafta Television Awards approach, Greg is preparing for the event with his signature blend of humor and pessimism. Tune in on Sunday, May 10, at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer to see what happens.
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