Almost a year ago, director James Rouse invited me to his house in West London to record a conversation in which he reflected on his career, his life and the devastating cancer diagnosis which he was still coming to terms with.

When James Rouse phoned me at the end of 2024 to tell me the news about his brain tumour, he asked if I would be willing to record a conversation with him. He wanted to thank some of the people who had helped him through his career, but he asked that I not release it until after he had died. I obviously said 'yes' to both of these requests, because it was the least I could do. In keeping with James's wish, I am now posting the recording we made.

James Rouse

I have not edited this podcast, and that means it includes the moment when James's daughter Luciana walks into the room. (I checked with Luciana a few weeks laster, and she said she was happy for her voice to be briefly included).

Whether you knew James or not, I think you'll be struck by how honest he is about his situation. I know I was. James was both a gentleman and a gentle man, and both these aspects of him shine through in this conversation. I liked him a great deal, and I think that becomes pretty apparent as well.

It's not my place to speak to how difficult it became for his wife Lidia, and children towards the end but I can imagine the gradual disappearance of the husband and father they knew and loved must have been almost impossible to bear.

My last conversation with him was in December, and he sounded so much his normal self that the news last week, just six or seven weeks later, that he had died seems utterly ridiculous.

We were trying to work out a time to see each other again in that last conversation on the phone, but it wasn't to be. Time ran out, as we both knew it would.

I have had so many lovely messages about James since breaking the news last week, and I'm sorry I haven't been able to get back to everyone.

If, after listening to this, you want to tell me what he meant to you or tell me a story about him, please do. I'd love to hear them.