Dramatic role is off the Pegg
by Fraser Middleton
Final Demand
BBC1, 9.10pm
SIMON PEGG is known simply as the bloke from Spaced, C4's cult sitcom.
But that's all about to change with a new role in Final Demand as gas man Colin, Tamzin Outhwaite's love interest.
"I'm not that well-known and I'm glad about that," Simon says.
"Everything I've done recently has been quite culty. But Final Demand will bring a different audience - and maybe that will bring me more unwanted attention."
Viewers tonight will learn what happens to Simon's character Colin, whom Tamzin's Natalie marries as part of a con, in part two of the show.
When Natalie's scam is discovered and her life unravels uncontrollably, the drama really kicks in.
However, Simon says this drama has whetted his appetite for acting.
"I come from a predominantly comedy background and Final Demand was a different world," adds Simon.
"But I really enjoyed it because it was a stretch."
For his next challenge, Simon has set himself something even harder - making a movie.
He has written Shaun Of The Dead, a comedy-horror film in which he stars. He's working with Spaced director Edgar Wright and filming is under way.
"I'm terrified about doing it," Simon laughs. "Edgar and I wrote it so we'll both be held accountable for whether it's good or not. But I've a lot of faith in it."
There's also a brand new sitcom for C4 called La Triviata - centred on a pub quiz team - in the offing.
But Spaced will return. "That show is our baby," says Simon.