Actor James Gaddas, 54, starred in Coronation Street and ITV’s Bad Girls. He recently appeared in the stage version of “Mamma Mia!”, before directing “Cyrano De Bergerac” in Dubai, and has been commissioned to adapt the same play into a one-man show. James has lived in Golders Green for five years with wife Deborah and daughter Cate.
What brought you to Golders Green? I had a friend who lived here in the 80s, and always loved the place as a result. When we were looking for a house with a big garden, it was a no brainer moving here from Swiss Cottage.
What’s your favourite thing about Golders Green? I love the sense of community. There are still great family businesses such as Likya Ocakbasi restaurant, which does brilliant Turkish dishes, and CB Motors, who manage to keep my ancient Volvo on the road, without destroying the bank balance!
What is missing from Golders Green? A cinema. I love the Everyman in Hampstead, and Belsize Park. A small independent cinema would really be the icing on the cake!
What makes you smile on your way home? The staff at Golders Green Tube station have a daily “inspirational quote” on a whiteboard in the main hall. I love the fact that in an increasingly impersonal world, there is still room for personal touches.
As mayor for a day what would you change about Golders Green? I would close the High Street on a weekend, make it pedestrians only, and persuade the crepe stall from Hampstead to make us their home!
How would you spend your perfect Sunday in Golders Green? Get up late, to breakfast cooked by daughter Cate, (ok, that bit is a fantasy!), watch the Sunday Politics, then stroll through Golders Hill Park. Pop over to see friends in Muswell Hill, then home for a movie with Cate and Deb.
In a film about your life, who would play you? Can I play myself? Seriously, if anyone actually wanted to make a film of MY life, I’d be torn between Dale Winton and Sue Pollard.
If you had to write your own epitaph, what would it say? “Hang on - before you close the lid can I just........!!”
James Gaddas was in conversation with Emily Banks
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here