Tell us about your character Roger

He’s a bit of a curmudgeon. He was Mammoth’s friend 40 years ago, they were teachers together and very close friends. They went off on a trip and they meet again 40 years later, but Mammoth is still much younger and Roger is a senior citizen shall we say! Rogers is pleasant but I think there are moments of great envy at the fact that although Mammoth is out of time, he is still younger than Roger and that sometimes irritates him.

What was it like working with Mike and the rest of the cast?

It was an absolute pleasure. Mike is a gentleman, it was a treat, and we discovered that we had a lot of television shows and music in common. We had a good laugh; I really think he’s wonderful and funny and I admire him. We had a great time and he made it as pleasant for me as anybody could.

What were you doing in 1979, the year Mammoth goes missing?

I had just finished with the Royal Shakespeare Company, I was working with a company called Shakespeare and Company in Lenox, Massachusetts, USA. We were doing Romeo and Juliet and The Winter’s Tale.

What were the funniest moments on set?

We were filming out in a park, it was wet and raining and we had this huge horse which just kept biting the top of my head and wanting me to play with it, which was hilarious! I wish I had a picture of it happening!

If you could bring back anything from the 70s, what would it be?

I would bring back my early days at the Royal Shakespeare Company when I was a young actor. I was ambitious, I had optimism and I thought that there was nobody as good as I was; you know, that kind of arrogance of youth!

If you got frozen had to wake up in a different time period, when would you choose?

I would say around 1987 to about 1995. It’s a time when my children were born and it was a very happy time for me.

Do you have any favourite TV characters from the 70s?

Yes I have a couple of ones. One is an American series called T.H.E. Cat, which was about a cat burglar, and I thought it was just really tremendous. It’s not quite the 70s, but I would quite like to bring back the Arthur Haynes show, I thought that was brilliant, the characters were wonderful and quite varied.

What have you enjoyed about being part of this series?

I think series like these are really important because it gives young and upcoming writers and entertainers a chance to flex their muscles! I think it’s wonderful, it really is. And Mike Bubbins is just superb.

Hey there, it’s Tony Mammoth here; ice-man, legend and all around top bloke. I see you’re reading about my new series, so congratulations on having excellent taste!

There’s lots to keep you entertained in this series – like me in proper shorts, me in a nice leather jacket and me driving my Ford Capri. There’s also a pretty epic scene with a horse in it. A horse being expertly ridden. It’s been a challenge getting my old life back, but rising to challenges is what I’ve always done. I think you know what I mean.

Quite a bit seems to have changed in the last 45 years. And by quite a bit, I mean nearly everything. But I think as long as you smell great, drive a nice car and get your round in, everything will work out for the best. Some of the time. More or less. And yes, the world was my oyster, when I first came back. People were obsessed with me. But I am much happier now that I am out of the spotlight, and everyone has moved on. And anyone who says that I miss the attention and adulation is a liar. And anyone who says they heard me say words to that effect , especially after a few pints, are a tell-tale. And also a liar.

Anyway, it’s coming to BBC Two and something called BBC iPlayer on 17th April. I hope you enjoy it. Send me a letter if you do. If you’d like a reply, include a stamped addressed envelope. And a tenner to cover admin costs. If you don’t like it, well that’s your problem. In fact, take 10p, and go and phone someone who cares.…

Watch Mammoth on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from Wednesday 17 April

Tony Mammoth is presumed killed in an Alpine avalanche in 1979 but discovered and brought back to life in the present day. Comedy starring Mike Bubbins, Sian Gibson, Joseph Marcell and Joel Davison, created by Mike Bubbins and co-written with Paul Doolan and directed by Simon Hynd. From BBC Studios Comedy Productions, the Producer is Luke Mason and the Executive Producers are Josh Cole and Steven Canny.