Phil Daniels: ‘I got paid £20k just to say a bank’s name on an advert’

The actor Phil Daniels, 63, found fame in 1979’s Quadrophenia, going on to star in films including Breaking Glass and The Hatton Garden Job. 

His TV credits include East­Enders and he performed the spoken verses of Blur’s 1994 single Parklife. He lives in Little Venice, London, with dog, Chico.

How did your childhood influence your attitude to money?

We never had much money, but we were always all right. My dad was a caretaker for the block of flats in King’s Cross we lived in. My mum cleaned and used to take the rents, so she had two jobs. We lived in the flats because it came with the job; I think that helped.

I had two older sisters and we were pretty well looked after with holidays and stuff. But when I’ve had money I’ve not quite believed it. I often think it’s someone else’s or the taxman’s going to grab it.

What was your first job?

I did the opera Falstaff for the BBC. I was 12 or 13 and was one of the gnomes. I remember vividly: I got £16 for doing it and opened a post office account. I was quite proud I’d made 16 quid.

How did you find that work?

I was at school and did quite a few TV things, like Four Idle Hands, a series about two guys who leave school and can’t find a job.

I met Anna Scher, a drama teacher who did workshops after school, and directors came and I got professional work. 

All of a sudden I fell into a job and was making money without having to try too hard. Anna Scher had a class [in Islington, London] and she trained us in improvisation. 

She was an agent as well: she became my agent and managed my career when I was young.

Did your parents suggest a 'proper job'?

There was an attempt to make me into a normal person. I worked at a butcher’s for a week and John Bell & Croyden, a posh chemist’s, for two weeks. 

But work came in and I became an actor. My parents were concerned this was something just for now that might go away. But it hasn’t – luckily for me.

Are you a saver or a spender?

I’m more of a spender now. I used to be a lot tighter. I used to look at menus and go for the cheaper things; I don’t now.

Do you use cash, debit cards or credit cards?

Only a debit card. I’ve never used credit cards because I don’t like owing money. I’m the sort of person who if I can pay off a mortgage I will, as soon as possible.

Have you invested in property?

Over the years but not any more: I have just a flat now. In the 1990s I had a cottage in Devon I paid £325,000 for, which I had as a holiday let and to live in, and a place in Spain. 

Mainly they were for personal use. I made a little money on Devon and got my money back for Spain. And I have a narrowboat.

Have you ever had trouble paying your bills?

In the mid-1980s I had to get a second mortgage on a house I had in north London. I was a bit skint at the time and had to sell an amplifier and a couple of guitars for £800 to pay off something. There have been a few hard times; then things got better.

Do you invest in the stock market?

No. I had a go once and lost £16,000. I did a thing with Barclays where they did it for you and I had a portfolio. That year it all crashed. I took out the balance and decided not to do it again.

Does money make your happy?

I prefer having it, yeah.

What have been your best and worst financial decisions?

Worst, investing in the stock market. Best, after my first couple of films – I got £5,000 [£27,000 today] for Quadrophenia and I did Breaking Glass – I had a few quid and bought a flat on a mortgage in about 1981 in King’s Cross for £19,000.

Every time I bought another place it doubled in price. I was one of them lucky ones; it was the boom. 

The thing was, I bought a flat in the block my dad was caretaker for. So my dad became my caretaker. I tiled the bathroom once. He came in, saw it and said: “That’ll devalue the property.”

Have you done any lucrative tv commercials?

The most lucrative thing I did was a voice-over for a bank, five or six years ago, and I only had to say the bank’s name. I got £20,000 for that; took me 10 minutes.

What have been the best and worst things you've bought?

They say a boat has two good days: the day you buy it and the day you sell it. But I’ve enjoyed having it, so that’s been a good investment. 

Worst, I bought a Mini Clubman once and the door fell off as I was driving it down the motorway from where I’d just bought it.

How were you paid for Parklife?

I was offered a lump sum or royalties and picked royalties – without a doubt a good decision.

Have you had any film perks?

When I finished Quadrophenia, the director said: “I’ll buy you a present. Would you like your scooter from the film? The guy’s willing to sell it for £200.” I said: “No, it’s his.” Five years ago it sold for £36,000. I got a suede Crombie coat instead.

How did it feel playing real-life burglar Danny Jones in the Hatton Garden job?

Well, I’ve never thought of doing a diamond heist.

I was invited by Danny Jones to visit him in jail. But I didn’t go in the end. I mean, not seeing him wasn’t a problem. It wasn’t like a summons from the Krays.

Phil Daniels co-stars in the play Cock at the Ambassadors Theatre in London until June 4. (cocktheplay.co.uk)