Ben Whishaw reveals what it was really like voicing Paddington Bear
He was the only one of the cast NOT to travel to Peru
Paddington in Peru, the third installment of the Paddington Bear series of films is out now, and it stars Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, and Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington Bear.
Ben joined Simon Mayo on Greatest Hits Radio to chat about the new film, and revealed that he was the only member of the cast NOT to go to Peru, where the latest film is set. As Ben provides the voice for Paddington, he voiced the entire film from the voice booth in London.
"I did not leave Lexington Street, where the post production place is and I was just in the basement there the whole time," Ben admitted. He went on to say: "I would have liked that (go to Peru), it was never even an option, but hey, it is what it is."
Describing the set up, Ben explained how they have several cameras pointing at him for motion capture: "You've got the script on a music stand, the film on a big screen, but at least when we begin it's very rough, early stage of being edited. So there's no bear (Paddington) at all, sometimes there's a sketch that doesn't move, sometimes there's just like a tennis ball in place of Paddington. And nothing else.
"But obviously performances of the other actors are there, and I wear a sort of camera on my head, but it's turned back to film my face and there are about two other cameras also filming my face, and then you just have a crack at it. It's just a stab in the dark to begin with, because you have no idea really what you're doing, because there is no Paddington at that point, so it takes a long time. It's quite a long laborious process."
When asked how long the whole movie takes from start to finish, Ben revealed it takes around a year. Despite not being in the voice booth every day, or even every week, but it takes a long time because of the animation.
During the chat, Ben also revealed that he DOESN'T like Paddington's favourite, marmalade sandwiches! The actor confessed: "I don't like marmalade, I really can't stand marmalade! It doesn't agree with me."
Ben went on to reveal that when Paddington is eating a marmalade sandwich he's usually eating: "Some bit of bread or something, I mean, not marmalade, just some bread, or something I munch on my own hand, or I don't know, sometimes fruit I'm given."
How to listen to Simon Mayo on Greatest Hits Radio
You can listen to Simon every weekday 4pm-7pm on Greatest Hits Radio and through the free Rayo app.
Take a look through other interviews on Greatest Hits Radio:
Jackie Brambles spoke to Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert opened up about touring with Queen for 10 years. The singer spoke to Jackie Brambles on Greatest Hits Radio back in March 2023.
He told Jackie: "There's always going to be haters. That's just how it goes and it's fine - I get being protective of your memory of the band, I totally understand. I think early on that actually lit a fire in me to prove myself and prove them wrong."
Jackie Brambles spoke to Samantha Fox
Samantha Fox reflected on 40 years in show business, revealing that she wouldn't encourage young girls to follow in her footsteps.
"I wouldn't encourage it these days – there's no Page Three anymore and now I think all the reality stars are like the new glamour girls," she told Jackie.
Ken Bruce spoke to Ben Elton
Ken Bruce spoke to Ben Elton back in April, when he joined us for Golden Years. Ben chose 1987 as his Golden Year, which was the year he started dating his wife Sophie.
Ben also told us about the incredible kindness George Michael showed the couple after the birth of their twins.
Ken Bruce spoke to Björn Ulvaeus
Björn Ulvaeus joined Ken Bruce to talk about ABBA Voyage, as it celebrated its one year anniversary. He explained what it was like to see a hologram version of himself on stage saying: "I feel it's HIM from the 70s. I've felt that for a long time, because I've been exposed to him almost daily for the past 40 years. It was easier to do it if I looked at myself as a kind of historical figure, as 'him'."
Ken Bruce spoke to Noel Gallagher
Following the release of his latest album 'Council Skies', Noel Gallagher spoke to Ken Bruce, revealing how the Covid Pandemic affected it.
Explaining that it wasn't all bad, Noel said: "My plan in 2019 was to always put a record out in 2023 anyway so I've not kind of lost any ground but it is a reflective album."
Ken Bruce spoke to Ruby Wax
Ruby Wax joined Ken Bruce to talk about her new book called I'm Not as Well as I Thought I Was.
During the interview, Ruby revealed the key to good mental health, saying: "I know this sounds corny, but be generous and be nice to people. We work as a community, but we've lost that, so if you can even pick up a piece of paper and say 'you dropped this' it's a tiny thing, but it releases a hormone in you that is so good for your health."
Mark Goodier spoke to Björn Ulvaeus
ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus joined us once again at Greatest Hits Radio, this time to talk to Mark Goodier about the possibility of an ABBA biopic.
Björn explained why one hasn't been done before saying: "I think our story is boring, yes it is.... Two couples. No, we've been approached obviously, you know many times, somehow we always say no. But who knows, someone comes up with a great idea of doing it maybe, some great talent, some talented writers, some talented director, who knows!"
Ken Bruce spoke to Elton John
As Elton John nears the end of his epic 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour he joined Ken Bruce to talk about what's next for him, and also revealed that he doesn't actually need to wear glasses!
Elton, who has just launched a new eyewear range said: "I just love wearing glasses, and even though I've got 20/20 vision, I still wear glasses because I feel naked without them."
Jackie Brambles spoke to Suggs
Madness front man Suggs joined Jackie Brambles to reveal the mischievous way he acquired his first record. He also told Jackie about the first act he saw live which was The Who.
He reminisced: "I do remember The Who come on. They did that 'Baba O'Riley', it was the first laser show in the world. And literally it was like one green beam was bouncing off some sort of car."
Ken Bruce spoke to Martin Kemp
Greatest Hits Radio presenter and Spandau Ballet singer, Martin Kemp joined Ken Bruce to talk about his Golden Year which was 1985.
1985 was the year that Spandau Ballet performed at Live Aid, and he revealed the terrible moment they decided to perform a new song on stage.
Jackie Brambles spoke to Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher joined Jackie Brambles in June to talk about his appearance as part of Oasis on Top of The Pops.
Calling it a 'comedy of errors', Noel said: "It's like you've made it when you did Top of the Pops - that was it. But as great as it is, it kind of shatters the illusion because I always thought everyone that was on was a multi-millionaire. We turned up in a diesel transit van that somebody had put petrol in, so it broke down. It was all a comedy of errors."
Simon Mayo spoke to Paul Simon
Joining us for a world exclusive, Paul Simon spoke to Simon Mayo about his new album 'Seven Psalms'. Paul's 15th solo album is designed to be listened to as a single body of work, in full and in order.
During the interview, Paul told Simon how the idea came to him in a dream, he explained: "This particular album happened to come out of a dream that I had that said: 'Oh you're working on a piece called 'Seven Psalms' and it was a very powerful dream.
"It was so strong that I woke up and wrote it down on a piece of paper. 'Seven Psalms', and the date January 15th 2019. And that's when this album began."
Ken Bruce spoke to Sharleen Spiteri
Texas singer Sharleen Spiteri joined Ken Bruce for the Golden Years, and chose 1977, when she was just 10 years old.
The first song Sharleen chose was 'Dreams' by Fleetwood Mac, she explained why she chose that song saying: "Texas' first ever gig... the first gig we played was Dundee University in the bar," she reminisced, continuing: "The second gig we played was opening up for Fleetwood Mac at the Edinburgh Playhouse, because the band that were supporting them had got Top of The Pops!
Shirlie Kemp spoke to Jackie Brambles
Shirlie Kemp spoke to Jackie Brambles about how she met George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, she said it was heart-breaking to share George Michael with the world when Wham! became famous.
Rob Brydon discusses Gavin & Stacey with Ken Bruce
Actor and comedian Rob Brydon joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years and to answer some listeners questions. As to be expected some of the questions were about the hit show Gavin & Stacey.
Dolly Parton spoke to Ken Bruce
Ahead of the release of her album 'Rockstar' and her book Behind The Seams My Life In Rhinestones, Dolly Parton joined Ken Bruce, admitting she never wants to retire.
Shirlie Kemp spoke to Ken Bruce
Shirlie Kemp joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years, where she talked about growing up with Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael from Wham! and the music she loved as a youngster.
ABC's Martin Fry joined Ken Bruce
ABC's Martin Fry joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years to talk about David Bowie, Top of The Pops and his upcoming tour.
Paul Carrack spoke to Ken Bruce
Paul Carrack, the Ace, Squeeze and Mike + The Mechanics singer, joined Ken Bruce to talk about his Golden Year which was 1974. It was also the year that Paul sang on the hit 'How Long' as part of Ace.
Davina McCall spoke to Ken Bruce
Davina McCall opens up on why her new show My Mum, Your Dad is so relatable. The show sees middle-aged singletons with grown-up children, looking for love. The parents spend two weeks in a retreat, where they get to meet the others taking part, and go on dates.
Richard Osman spoke to Ken Bruce
Richard Osman joined Ken Bruce to talk about his pivotal Golden Year, which was 1987. Richard also chatted about his fourth novel, The Last Devil to Die.
Carol Vorderman joined Ken Bruce
Carol Vorderman joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years, where she shared some fun memories from her chosen year of 1974 and spoke about her Perfect 10 podcast.
Rick Astley spoke to Ken Bruce
Rick Astley joined Ken Bruce to talk about his Glastonbury performance, and what it was like to perform ahead of Elton John at the iconic music festival.
Emeli Sandé joined Ken Bruce
Emeli Sandé joined Ken Bruce to talk about her inspirations who are Annie Lennox and Tori Amos. She also reminisced about how she used to listen to music when she was just five-years-old.
Boy George spoke to Ken Bruce
Boy George spoke to Ken Bruce about his experience in the I'm a Celebrity jungle. Boy George also gave Sam Thompson, a presenter on our sister station Hits Radio, a pep talk as he heads into the jungle this year.
Jackie Brambles spoke to Sharon Osbourne
Sharon Osbourne joined Jackie Brambles, where she shared her thoughts on The X Factor, moving back to the UK and her husband Ozzy.
Pete Waterman reveals how 'I Should Be So Lucky' became a success
Pete Waterman joined Ken to talk about one of the biggest hits he wrote for Kylie Minogue, 'I Should Be So Lucky' and how Lenny Henry had a part in that being a huge hit.
Gabrielle opens up about her overnight success with her 1993 hit 'Dreams'
The wonderful singer Gabrielle joined Ken Bruce to talk about her brand new album 'A Place In Your Heart', her 2025 tour and what it was like getting overnight success with her debut hit 'Dreams' in 1993.
Robin Campbell on how his social circle became the band UB40
Robin Campbell, Matt Doyle and Matt Campbell from UB40 joined Jackie Brambles to talk about their album 'UB45', celebrating 45 years of the band. They also chatted about the band's beginnings and how founding member Robin Campbell knew many of the band members from a very early age.
Colin Blunstone admits he had no ambitions to sing in public when the The Zombies started out
Lead singer of The Zombies, Colin Blunstone, joined Ken Bruce to talk about the band's brand new tour, and how he didn't have ambitions to be a singer.
He also revealed how the band formed back in 1961, as a group of teenagers, who weren't even old enough to go inside the pub they met outside!
Elizabeth Hurley recounts the first time she met Liam Gallagher saying he was 'absolutely adorable'
Elizabeth Hurley joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years, where she chose 1994 as her Golden Year. Elizabeth chose that particular year after she'd heard a Wet Wet Wet song on the radio, which "sent her back to a place", and she realised she loved a lot of songs from that year.
The actress went on to explain that a lot in her life changed in that year, and it was a time that "evoked amazing feelings".
The Beach Boys reveal they had two 'different groups' in the 60s
Greatest Hits Radio's Richard Allinson caught up with founding member of The Beach Boys Mike Love, and long-standing member Bruce Johnston, in the week that the band's new documentary on Disney+ was released.
Speaking to Richard, the duo spoke about the creation of the band, and how Bruce saw them rise to fame, while working for Columbia Records, eventually becoming a full-time member of the band a few years later.
John Cleese reveals how it feels to see someone else play his iconic character Basil Fawlty
Actor John Cleese joined Simon Mayo to talk about the brand new West End show of Fawlty Towers. The show, an adaptation of his hugely popular TV series of the same name, has finally made it to the stage 50 years after it first appeared on our TV screens. John explained why it took so long and what it was like to see someone else play his iconic role.
Harry Hill reveals some of the 'silly things' from his new book
Comedian Harry Hill joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years on Greatest Hits Radio, and opened up about his tour and his new book out in October. Choosing 1976 as his Golden Year, he also reminisced about being just 12-years-old.
Harry's new book, called How To Be Silly Every Day of the Year, will feature 365 silly things to do, to fill your entire year. And he revealed to Ken some of the hilarious things it includes, such as encouraging a woodlouse and taking a sausage for a walk.
Boy George had to 'fall in love again' with 'Karma Chameleon'
It's one of Boy George & Culture Club's most iconic songs, but 'Karma Chameleon' hasn't always been a popular song with lead singer, as he explained he had to learn to love it again.
At the time of its release in 1983, 'Karma Chameleon' reached Number 1 around the world, and was certified Platinum in several countries, including the UK.
Shania Twain reveals what we can expect from her Glastonbury Legends Slot
'That Don't Impress Me Much' singer Shania Twain joined Ken Bruce to talk about her Legends Slot at Glastonbury, and what we can expect.
"I plan on singing everything that everybody knows," Shania revealed. "So there's no guessing, it's just all about the hits. It's all about singing together and having fun."
Heart's Nancy Wilson says supporting Queen was 'life-altering'
Heart are known for their huge hits 'All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You', 'Alone' and 'These Dreams', and Nancy chatted to Jackie Brambles about the band's beginnings, getting their breakthrough and what it was like for them supporting Queen in Leeds. She also opened up about the role models who inspired her and the band.
Now read:
Anton Du Beke reveals one of the 'most extraordinary' things he's seen on Strictly
Status Quo's Francis Rossi admits to being a fan of pop music
John Bishop reveals the sad reason that inspired his comedy career