COVER

How did you prepare for the role?

Ben Cohen: (Laughing) I didn’t! I seriously kind of jumped into it two feet first. No acting lessons or anything.

Is there a reason you chose to make your acting debut in Patterns?

Ben Cohen: The director, Rex Glensy, has been a friend of mine for a long time. He approached me with the news that he and his writing partner, Asad Moghal, were developing a series around LGBTQ+ stories and they had this role that they thought I might be perfect for. I jumped at the opportunity because it aligns with a lot of stuff that I’m passionate about and have long been involved in.

Like LGBTQ teen issues?

Ben Cohen: Yes, one of the episodes I’m in involves a coming out story. In real life, I’ve heard so many horrible coming out stories. The character in the film, Liam, who is a teenage boy in the process of coming out, sees me as a role model and with a little help from me, can be true to himself. Self-belief and honesty are core values that I believe in, and this project reflects those values.

Are you playing yourself in the series?

Ben Cohen: Well, I play a version of myself as imagined by a teenage boy. The character Ben is this boy’s superhero and appears at random when the boy most needs him. And for the rest, you’ll have to watch it.

Have you been bitten by the acting bug, Ben?

Ben Cohen: I don’t know. It was incredibly nerve-wracking having to remember lines, emotions, movements, and all of that. Playing rugby for England was much easier! But honestly, I absolutely loved it. The production took great care of me. Being on set was so much fun. Rex was wonderful and very supportive. I can still hear him saying after a few takes, “those weren’t your lines, Ben.” It was so hard to stick to the script! I’m sure the outtake reel is hilarious.

Does George Clooney have anything to worry about?

Ben Cohen: Realistically, I’m not going to be the next Bond or anything.

What are your future plans?

Ben Cohen: Retire from acting, for one. (Laughing) Actually, at the moment, I’ve just finished filming a TV documentary for ITV and I’m going to be involved in another fun TV project for charity. But my real focus is on Kristina.

That was my next question! After a pretty public divorce, is it true you’re about to tie the knot?

Ben Cohen: It has not happened yet, but probably in the near future. We are happy where we are at the moment.

Is it true she’s turned you on to veganism?

Ben Cohen: Kristina is vegan, and I tried it for a while, and enjoyed it. I enjoy a greater diversity in food. Overall, I love different and healthy foods including my latest not-so-guilty pleasure, NOMO chocolate. It’s vegan and delicious!

Can we do a lightening round, Ben? That’s where I ask a question and you answer with one or two words.

Ben Cohen: Sure!

Party Island or Deserted Island?

Ben Cohen: Party.

Hands or feet?

Ben Cohen: Both are useful.

Cook in or eat out?

Ben Cohen: Depends on the company.

One word, Ben! Summer or winter?

Ben Cohen: Summer.

Chocolate or crisps?

Ben Cohen: Depends on my mood.

Ben! Boxers or briefs?

Ben Cohen: A boxer brief.

Weights or Cardio?

Ben Cohen: Cardio.

Book or movie?

Ben Cohen: Audio book.

One thing you can’t leave the house without.

Ben Cohen: My phone.

For more information on Patterns, visit Dekkoo.com.