It's a bum job...but someone's got to do it (From The Argus)

It's a bum job...but someone's got to do it

11:24am Thursday 1st March 2007 in News By Lee Gibbs

Actors understand that it is a career where you usually have to start at the bottom.

But extra Michael Knott, is still getting the bum jobs - most recently appearing as John Prescott's backside in Wednesday's TV drama.

Michael, 54, of Littlehampton, dropped his trousers for a racy sex scene in Confessions of a Diary Secretary, based on revelations of the Deputy PM's fling with an aide.

The 17st actor got the weighty role because John Henshaw, who played Mr Prescott, has a scarred backside from a car crash.

Michael believes he was the ideal candidate to represent Two Jags' seat and said: "I'm a bit of a fatty but my bum's pretty pert.

"It's quite smooth and not hairy or pimply. I look after it by giving it a dusting of talc each night.

"I look after myself too. I've a gym at home and work out a bit. That's why my bottom's pert. But if I dieted my parts would dry up, pardon the expression."

It was his rear that ITV1 viewers saw when Mr Prescott romped on a desk with secretary Tracey Temple, played by Shameless actress Maxine Peake.

Michael said: "I wore a sock over my willy and a flesh-coloured jockstrap taped at the front.

"As soon as it was my scene, the director pointed to Maxine on the desk and said, 'OK, Knotty, slide yourself in between her legs'. Maxine pointed at me and said, 'Not literally!'.

"She was far more embarrassed than me."

Michael has had minor roles in Bend It Like Beckham, Snatch and has an upcoming part as a corpse in The Bill.

He has also been in ads for Tango and an insurance firm and appeared on cans of Czech beer as a cheery barman.

Bosses on Confessions of a Diary Secretary plumped for him after seeing him nude in last year's footie movie 66.

Michael got £191 for his day's work on the political drama and proudly points out his excess pounds help the cash roll in.

He said: "My flab is my fortune. When anyone needs a butcher, big baddie or a 'before' shot on a slimming ad, I'm their man."

Mr Prescott, 67 - nicknamed Two Jags - had a two-year affair with with Ms Temple, 43. At one Christmas party he even grabbed her and hoisted her aloft.

Michael is thrilled the scandal saw him land the part as the Deputy PM's bum double - but not everyone is.

He joked: "My fiancee Christine isn't happy.

"She thought it was a love scene when in fact it was a racy sex scene.

"She's worried that because so many people have seen my nice bum, Hollywood will beckon and I'll leave her."