John - When did you first hear about Red Dwarf?
​
​Robert - I think it would be in 1988, I knew Normal Lovett from doing stand up . I think I saw a couple of episodes of the 1st series. Important to remember that I only had a tiny black and white TV and no VCR (method of recording a televisual signal and replaying it at a later more convenient time) and I was working in comedy clubs almost every night of the week.



​John - What were your thoughts when you first read the script?

​​Robert - I can barely remember that, I remember the first read through and I was terrified as I had no idea how to play Kryten.



​John - What did you think about the other members of the cast when you first heard who you will be be working with?

​Robert - I had seen Chris Barrie on stage doing impressions, Id never met Craig or Danny before and didn't know their work. They were much less well known in 1989 when I met them, but they were very charming from day 1.



John - What is your favourite episode and why?​

 

Robert - I truly don't think I have 'A' fave episode, certainly a few stand out, Polymorph in series 3, Gunmen of the Apocalypse, Back to Reality and in series X maybe Lemons, but the reason I love those is often I remember the madness and fun we had in making them.

​John - Do you remember your first day filming?

​Robert - Yes, very clearly, we shot a scene from Marooned where the Cat is using Kryten as a husky dog pulling a sled over the frozen wastes of an ice planet. We recorded it in a studio in Liverpool, the snow was soap flakes and they used a huge wind machine to give the impression of a blizzard. It was the first day I wore the mask and the make up around my eyes was particularly thick and heavy. This resulted in my eyes being 'glued open' which was fairly challenging, add the snow flakes and you have serious eyeball pain. Not an experience it's been easy to forget.


​John - What is your most embarrasing moment on set?

​Robert - They happen about every 20 minutes when I can't remember my lines, everyone is used to it. I can't recall one specific moment of embarrassment but that maybe because we all get on too well and experiencing embarrassment usually means you don't feel 'safe' with your workmates. My whole life is mildly embarrassing so I'm hardened to it.



​John - Did you expect the series to go on as long as it has 25 years later?

​Robert - Absolutely not, when we finished series 3 in 1989, the general opinion was that was the final series. I was amazed we made 4 series, I truly would not have believed anyone if they said I'd still be working on the show when I was really, really old.



​John - What projects are you working on and where do we expect to see you next?
​
​Robert - Currently writing the second book in a utopian sci-fi trilogy. The 1st book is called News from Gardenia
http://www.amazon.co.uk/News-Gardenia-Robert-Llewellyn/dp/1908717122/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

The second is called News from the Squares
http://unbound.co.uk/books/news-from-the-squares

And, very much related to Red Dwarf, I am about to release a newly re-furbished version of 'The Man in the Rubber Mask.'
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Man-In-Rubber-Mask/dp/1908717785/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362169938&sr=8-1

I also make two video podcasts, the first is me giving people a ride in my car and talking, Carpool: http://www.youtube.com/carpoolUK

And Fully Charged which is about electric cars and the future of energy
http://www.youtube.com/fullychargedshow

So I've been quite busy,
​

​John - Will the Dwarf be back for series XI?

​Robert - We don't know for sure yet but it seems to be very possible


​Robert - Hope that's okay all the best Robert



​

John - Thank you for your time Robert