Alastair Campbell describes the character based on him as ‘a creation of genius’

The Thick of It, a satire of the innermost workings of the modern UK government, narrows focus on a fictional Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship. Head of this department is Minister Tucker, portrayed exquisitely by the fast talking, boorish, profane and quick witted former Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi. Tucker is out of his depth to a fault during the series, often appearing hopelessly out of touch and incompetent.

It was Campbell’s Machiavellian reputation that earned him a reputation worthy of the basis of one of the greatest characters in UK television history.

Campbell himself doesn’t take it personally though. Speaking to Hot Press he said, “I’m very fond of Malcolm Tucker! I didn’t like In the Loop (2009 spin off to The Thick of It) but that wasn’t because of the character – I just didn’t think it worked as a film. But I think Malcolm Tucker is a genius.”

With The Thick of It off air since 2012, Campbell has moved on to shows such as the dystopian Black Mirror. Shows such as Black Mirror, created and written by Charlie Brooker, have been accused of increasing cynicism about politics.

Campbell doesn’t necessarily agree though – “I don’t think Charlie’s (Brooker) work contributes to cynicism about politics. His politics are probably similar to mine, left of centre, pro-European […] he’s got an incredible quirky mind, that’s for sure.”

Read the full interview in the current issue of Hot Press