It must be a pretty satisfying thing, being called one of the voices of the decade, not many people can lay claim to that, but Marcus Bentley can. He’s the voice you’ve heard narrating the phenomenon Big Brother for the past ten plus years, and he’s not planning on stopping now. Whilst the frenzy surrounding the Big Brother re-launch starts to pick up speed, we caught up with Marcus just before the re-launch to get his take on the new series, the show’s history and his voice-over career!
UKV: How did you first get into Voice over work?
MB: In 1998 as a jobbing actor I wanted a new agent and accidentally contacted a top voice over agent. They were desperate for a "Geordie" and in fact got me a job that day impersonating Paul Gascoigne in a world cup commercial. They got me loads of work on TV and radio. But half way through the first Big Brother ,when it all just went massive, I asked them If there was any interest in me and they said, "Marcus , there's just no call for Geordies." I thought F*** it, I'm off if it that's you're ambition for me. Agents hate getting asked by their clients, “what’s happening for me?"
UKV: What career would you have chosen if you weren't a voiceover artist?
MB:I will always be an actor and I hope to tread those boards again one day. I haven't acted in 5 years and it hurts!
UKV: What's the weirdest voiceover job you've ever had?
MB:Advertising Super Glue "with a built in brush." and (for charity) pointing customers in Asda to the special offers on aisle 13!
UKV: Do people always recognise your voice now whenever you speak, and does it get
you special treatment?
MB:Yes they do and I always get a positive response and a smile which is the only special treatment I need!
UKV: Now that Big Brother is almost back on our screens, did you ever consider not going over to work on the new series on Channel Five?
MB:Never. Big Brother made me a successful voice over artist and I live and breathe the show. The thought of anyone else saying "Day one in the Big Brother House" would break my heart, I was voted (by some organisation) the voice of the last decade. I'm hoping to carry that right through this one. Who knows? … you decide!!
UKV: Will Big Brother ever be the same again now that Davina has left?
MB:I'll miss Davina she'll always be "Big Mamma" but she wanted to move on and I respect that. Brian Dowling is a Big Brother legend and with 10 years of varied live TV presenting experience he's ready to fill those shoes. He'll be immense and he will become a household name. The show is alive and kicking and with Channel 5's energy and belief in the format Big Brother is about to change gear in time for a brand new era.
UKV: Can you give us any clues as to the identity of this year’s housemates?
MB:No. My lips are sealed. I value my job & I'm not going to jeopardise it by revealing that Jedward are going in (allegedly).
UKV: Is it true Charlie Sheen was asked to appear?
MB:Yes I believe it is!
UKV: There have been a number of different house mates over the years, but if you were
going to be stranded on a desert island with one of them who would it be and why?
MB:I'm very fortunate that I've become good friends with the original BB villain "Nasty" Nick Bateman. He's a great lad and I spend hours talking with him. So, I'd choose him and I’d never get bored.
UKV: It must have been fun working on Dead Set, is there a really memorable moment you could share with us?
MB:I loved seeing Davina in her zombie make -up! It was a little too real for comfort!
UKV: If you had one bit of advice all budding voiceover artists what would it be?
MB:It depends on what you want to be. There are loads of voices that sound the same on our commercials & documentaries. If not they tend to be famous actors and that's because the creative’s play it safe. So, to be something a bit different is very difficult, which is a shame. I would say try and be versatile when making demos, with something for every occasion but (try) sneaking something a bit different on it!
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