David Suchet nearly quit 'Poirot' before the first episode had even been broadcast.
The 67-year-old actor has portrayed the titular detective, Hercule Poirot, since 1989 but admits he nearly left the role after having a disagreement with director Ed Bennett while filming the first episode, 'The Adventure of the Clapham Cook'.
While shooting one scene, David insisted on dusting down a park bench with a handkerchief as he claimed that is the sort of thing Poirot would have done after reading about his adventures in Agatha Christie's novels, but the helmer insisted it was a "ridiculous" suggestion.
In an extract from David's upcoming memoir, 'Poirot and Me', he wrote: "If I lost the argument, it would mean that my custodianship of Poirot's character was in severe jeopardy - so much so that I really thought that I might not be able to go on playing him.
"I had to play the character she created, I was certain of that. I would not compromise."
David admits the incident was "very serious" and it was not the last time he insisted on acting out certain situations in a way he believes Poirot would acted, which led to further clashes.
Speaking to RadioTimes.com, he added: "It was very serious. As charming as I may appear, when it comes to defence of character or my work then I will fight and I will not compromise.
"There will be directors throughout my 44-year career that have had a hard time with me because I will serve my writer. I will not ever be told how to play a role. That's my job.
"If Agatha Christie writes that he [Poirot] dusts dirty chairs on park benches, then I will show it. And if a director says that it looks odd then I'll say, 'Sorry, that's what he does'. And if the time comes when it's make or break, then I will walk.
"I will say this openly and honestly - in defence of my character, I would have walked at some points had I not got the support of my producers."
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