The conductor Charles Mackerras observed, "David Hemmings was an extremely good looking young chap and he also very much played up to Ben's obvious adoration of him, and drank it in," and adds, "Obviously it was a sexual attraction but I'm sure that it was never actually fulfilled." Hemmings told Bridcut: "He was not only a father to me, but a friend – and you couldn't have had a better father or a better friend.
Charles Mackerras observed David Hemmings' attractiveness and his role in Ben's admiration, suggesting it was a sexual attraction that remained unfulfilled.  Hemmings described Mackerras as both his father figure and a close friend, emphasizing the positive impact he had on his life.