Javone Prince Q & A

20 March 2011

1. PhoneShop was part of Channel 4's Comedy Showcase in 2009 - how did it feel when you found out it had been commissioned for a full series on E4?
I couldn't believe it at first. When Phil told me, I was dancing around my room in my boxers and dressing-gown. I was so pleased because we had all been working on it for so long and put in so much.

2. The show already has a cult following and people are eagerly awaiting the first series, what can they expect?
They can expect more of the same, some lovely surprise guest appearances as well as some great new talent. There are also some great journeys our characters embark on and of course, some brilliant jokes. Not to mention the little gems that we have hidden away for our cult following.

3. It's quite a small cast and you have all been working together for two years now - is there anything that has surprised you about anyone?
I'm always finding out new things about the others. I recently found out Martin is a brilliant musician and drummer. I was surprised because I thought he had no rhythm (only because of the way his character dances). As for Brooke, he can't surprise me; I've known him for 11 years. Emma is like a magician.

4. The chemistry between the characters on-screen is very strong, how much do you stick to the script and how much do you improvise?
The brilliant thing about PhoneShop is that everyone is so flexible. We'll work to scripts but if things need changing we've always got something new to throw into the mix.

5. This is an ensemble piece, how do you all work in bringing your ideas together for the script?
Obviously Phil is the one who writes the scripts and plot outlines but he is very generous in letting us bring our ideas to the table. We'll then improvise the entire script, pull it apart, find the funny bits and then put it back together again.

6. How would you best describe your character to someone who hasn't seen the show before? Are you anything like your character in real life?
Jerwayne is sort of snob. He has very high standards that he sets himself in all aspects of his life. From the women he dates to the shoes he wears to the type of food he eats. He loves his job and has aspirations to be an entrepreneur like Jay-Z. He has very high standards which are often disappointed by his surroundings. He speaks his mind which can sometimes backfire on him.

7. Have you ever been baffled by sales jargon and conned into buying something you didn't really want?
No, I don't get baffled because I don't buy that much stuff. I buy what I know.

8. What has been the reaction from people who actually work in mobile phone shops?
Great, they love it. They tell me how accurate PhoneShop is in terms of the banter and the situations they face. I heard that Carphone Warehouse have made up badges saying ‘Newman' because of us, so thank you Carphone Warehouse!

9. What have been your funniest moments filming so far?
I'm the one who always giggles while takes are going on because everyone else is so funny. I share a lot of scenes with Andrew and he makes me laugh a lot. However, if I had to pick one thing, it would be Tom Bennett (Newman) speaking in Patois. I had the next line after him but I lost it because he was so funny.

10. After all those weeks filming is there anything you're looking forward to doing once it's all finished?
I am looking forward to doing it all over again.