Character: Group Captain Alastair Graeme
Actor: Roger Allam
Episode: Eagle Day

Roger Allam may look the part of an RAF Group Captain in Foyle's War - but he could never be a pilot in real life.

"I don't think I would ever make it because I'm such a nervous flyer. Once I was on a flight to Paris - it only took 45 minutes but we spent another 45 minutes circling Charles de Gaulle airport and juddering in high winds.

"There wasn't a word from the cockpit; everyone was nervous and hysterical so I opened my duty frees and started drinking. Since then I haven't enjoyed flying."

Playing a top RAF man was a different matter, however.

"Foyle's War was an ideal job for me because I am a big fan of the British films of the 40s. I love that style of filmmaking and the period. I had a look at The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp and The Small Back Room, which starts off in a war research establishment, so that was really useful.

"I also wore a real Group Captain's uniform and it really helped me stand differently. I haven't really based Graeme on anyone, but I've put a touch of Terry Thomas in him!"

Graeme is a man who puts his job first.

Says Roger: "I think he is someone who flew in the First World War as an early pilot and then went into research. He has come back in the Second World War researching radar. Men who have fought in wars, especially the First World War, get very locked up emotionally. I tried to bring some of that to the character and I think it affects the way he sees young women as objects."

Roger is an associate artist of the RSC and a double Olivier Award winning theatre actor. His television credits include Who Bombed Birmingham?, Between The Lines, Inspector Morse, Midsomer Murders, The Creatives and Waking The Dead. He also appears with Helen Mirren and Anne Bancroft in The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone.

September 2002; Publicity Release