"On the street where I live" is not just a Lena Philipsson song (written by Orup), it's also the title of a new drama series on Viaplay. Lena Philipsson plays the lead role as Nina, a widow for several years who starts a new relationship that shakes up the neighborhood.
Screenwriter Mikael Newihl had Philipsson in mind from the idea stage. She, who had previously appeared in smaller roles in, for example, SVT's Christmas calendar "Storm på lugna gatan", felt ready to take on a new challenge.
It felt exciting to see how I would tackle a more serious role. This was completely outside my box and I wanted to throw myself out and dare to test, she says.
Nervous
In the series, Philipsson plays against, among others, Leif Andrée and Kajsa Ernst, and before filming, she was nervous about what her colleagues would think.
I wondered what they would think of me being there at all. I wanted to perform and not be bad. But it was incredibly exciting and educational to see how the professional actors prepared themselves and attacked different emotions, she says.
The series' main character has, since her husband's death, received a lot of help from the neighbors to get her life together. Just that side of things is not something Lena Philipsson recognizes herself in.
I like to take care of myself and would have probably managed quite well on my own. Nina also has a hard time saying what she means, I'm more straightforward. But just like her, I don't want to make anyone sad, she says.
"On the street where I live" premieres on November 17, and Philipsson is excited to see how the audience will receive the series, and hopes it will touch them.
It contains both darkness and relationships and emotions that many can probably recognize themselves in. But of course, I'm nervous, even though I'm used to being watched, during different performances, even by people who may not love me, she says.
Roxette tour
Will there be more acting in the future?
If something exciting comes my way, I'll have to consider it. I'm not the one who says "never in life".
Next, after the New Year, awaits a tour together with Per Gessle as one half of Roxette.
This is a very special adventure that has landed in my lap. Taking over after a beloved person like Marie Fredriksson is not an easy task, it's a big responsibility that I take on with respect, and I'm flattered and proud of the trust.
Name: Lena Philipsson.
Age: 58 years.
Career highlights: Broke through with "Kärleken är evig" in Melodifestivalen 1986 and has since competed in the competition four times. In 2004, she won with "Det gör ont".
Has done several solo club shows and released 14 albums. Has appeared in the film "Livet är en schlager" as well as the TV series "Torpederna", "Enkelstöten", and "Storm på Lugna gatan".
Current: Plays the lead role of Nina in "On the street where I live", premiering on Viaplay on November 17.
