If you’re a Lovejoy fan, this candid interview with Ian McShane will scratch the itch when it comes to what this amazing show was all about. Watch this amazing Lovejoy interview and learn from Ian McShane himself the secrets of why it was such a hit!

Lovejoy is a national treasure and there are many Brits who felt (and still feel) robbed when the series came to an end in late 1994. Of course, its roguish protagonist, played by Ian McShane has continued to be one of British television’s most popular characters. The longevity of Lovejoy, with 5 seasons over 71 episodes was unheard of on UK TV with demand for further series driven by massive public demand. 

They call me the wide boy!

Ian McShane thoroughly inhabited this role, and having produced the show, made it unashamedly his own. Flanked by Dudley Sutton’s sozzled Tinker Dill and Chris Jury’s rock-loving eternal adolescent Eric Catchpole, McShane strode forth to conquer the Sunday evenings of the nation. 

Perhaps it is no surprise that McShane has decamped to the Hollywood Hills as for us Brits he will always be wearing that leather jacket, white tee, mullet and doing his very best David Dickinson impression. But thankfully he was considerate enough to drop this six-part interview where he breaks down:

• How he was introduced to the Lovejoy role
• Why he thought Lovejoy could be a successful project
• Why the loooong gap between season 1 and the subsequent series
• His relationship with Dudley Sutton (Tink)
• Why Lady Jane left Lovejoy
• Lovejoy’s ending 
• How could Lovejoy be revived?

…and more!

Here is the must-see Ian McShane Lovejoy interview

Ian McShane talks about Lovejoy part one

Ian McShane talks about Lovejoy part two

Ian McShane talks about Lovejoy part three

Ian McShane talks about Lovejoy part four

Ian McShane talks about Lovejoy part five

Ian McShane talks about Lovejoy part six

Ian McShane Lovejoy Interview FAQs

How old was Ian McShane in Lovejoy?

Ian McShane was 44 years old when the first Lovejoy series began in 1986. After six seasons he was 52 years old when Lovejoy finished in 1994.

What did Ian McShane do after Lovejoy?

Ian McShane went on to reinvent himself in a range of British and American dramas including

• The 1996 drama Madson
• Deadwood which ran between 2004 and 2006
• Game of Thrones in 2016
• Law and Order SVU in 2019
• The Simpsons in 2021

Was Lovejoy Cancelled?

Lovejoy was not canceled but ended in 1994 because Ian McShane had simply had enough of playing Lovejoy. This is why they stopped making Lovejoy. Ian McShane explains more about his decision to leave Lovejoy, ending the show in part 5 of the interview. 

Who was Lovejoy based on?

The BBC Lovejoy was based on the protagonist in the famous Lovejoy picaresque novels authored by the British doctor, Jonathan Gash. 

Is Ian McShane still in the UK?

No. Though he returns to the UK frequently, he currently resides in Venice Beach California with his wife, Gwen Humble.

Is Ian McShane married?

Ian McShane has been married to his wife, the actress Gwen Humble for over 42 years!