Simon says

“We were aware when we read the first series in script form that we had something special on our hands,” remembers Simon Delaney. “And though a good script is no guarantee that the concept is going to work on screen, by the time we were mid-way into the shoot we knew it was gold. By then the media, including hotpress, I remember, were aware that reports from the set suggested a hit, and we were greatly helped by the interest shown. It just meant that the public were willing to tune in and see what all the fuss was about and then because the show was very funny people stayed with it.”

Indeed as Bachelor’s Walk was both critically and commercially lauded as RTE’s finest hour in both light drama and comedy it was believed that the three principals, Don Wycherly, Keith McErlean and Mr Delaney himself, would never have to wonder where their next gig was coming from. Surely he’s been inundated with offers ever since?

“Eh, no,” says Simon, clearly puzzled. “To be honest, I did think that given the success of the first series and the amount of press interest we generated doors might open up for me. But they didn’t. And I’m not really sure why that is, but though the other guys have continued to perform in some major theatrical productions that wasn’t the case with me. I’d really love to do the Gate or the Abbey, if only so as to shut fucking Don up (laughs). I feel very left out when him and Keith go on about the little book you have to sign when you arrive in and these little details that they know and I don’t. Do you know I didn’t even get any fan mail? I mean, you start asking yourself questions… In fact, put my address and phone number on the end of this, will you? I need the confidence!”

It must be doubly galling for him to see Keith Duffy and Colm O’Maonlai currently causing respective splashes on UK soaps Coronation Street and Eastenders.

“I’ve seen them both and I think they’re doing very well,” he considers. “They’re not bumping into the furniture anyway. But, yeah, I’d have considered a part in a soap. Though with my luck it’d have been fucking Hollyoaks.”

Somehow I don’t think he’s serious. Though he confesses that both writers and actors were initially wary of the ‘second album syndrome’ Simon has no doubt that the upcoming series is every bit as good, if not better than the first. “The Holy Trinity as we call them, the Kearney brothers and Tom Hall have really delivered the goods. And when you consider that this second series has had to be created in a fraction of the time of the first one that’s some achievement.”

Enough of the flattery though, what’s in store for Dublin’s three most ineligible bachelors?

“Well, Michael was engaged as we left him at the end of the last show and I can tell you that there’ll be a wedding on the cards,” offers Simon warily. “And as you know yourself there can be all sorts of interesting goings on and pairings off at Irish weddings. Of course something else we all know about this country is that your past is never very far away and you can never be sure that somebody from a past life won’t arrive on the scene and complicate things. I can also tell you that Michael takes an interest in a hobby that some people might think a bit unusual for him, and being Michael it’s not long before he’s managing to fuck things up for himself and those around him.

“As for the other two lads, Barry is still very much Barry, and though you remember that he got his heart broken by Jenny in the last series he’s more or less over that now and is also involved in a new venture. Raymond is still pining after Alison, although it’s a fair assumption that a nice guy like him probably won’t be on the shelf for too long. There’ll also be a couple of new faces… But you’ll really have to tune in. I’ve said too much.”

Hardly. Finally, I’ve been asked by my friend and colleague Stuart Clark if during the shooting schedule it might be possible to keep the noise down on location. Especially in the early mornings. Stuart, you see, lives right next door to the Georgian building that ‘stars’ in the series.

“Which side is he on?’, asks Simon. “Is that the guy with the window boxes full of plants? Tell him we’ll keep quiet about what he’s growing on his windowsill. That’ll have to do him.”