Kate philips is no stranger to period pieces, having starred as Jane Seymour in the critically acclaimed Wolf Hall in 2015, as well as in Andrew Davies’ War & Peace adaptation in 2016. She also appeared as Princess Mary in Kate philips the Downton Abbey film and is well known to fans of historical crime drama for her role as Arthur Shelby’s wife, Linda, in Peaky Blinders.
What’s the deal with Miss Scarlet and the Duke?
It’s a Victorian crime drama set in London in 1882 about a young woman named Eliza Scarlet who aspires to be a respected private detective. She became a detective after her father died because that’s how she knew Kate philips how to take care of money, but I think it was kind of her destiny. It also follows a number of characters, most notably the Duke, and Eliza’s personal and professional relationship with him.
How would you characterise the Duke?
The Duke is a Victorian gentleman. He’s grown up believing that women have no agency. They’ve known each other for years, and her father mentored the Duke, so they grew up together and have a familial connection. While he’s open-minded and adores her, I’m sure he’d rather not admit it.
How would you describe Eliza and the Duke’s relationship?
Initially, the Duke does not believe Eliza should be a detective. He believes it is dangerous for her and that it is not a job for a woman, which irritates her. So, I believe Eliza believes the Duke is a good detective, that he is good at his job, and that she respects him, but she believes he is lazy and wants to close Kate philips cases quickly. What I like about her is that she gets him ready, and that is the sort of tussle they have all through the series – where she’s attempting to demonstrate to herself and to him that she’s competent.
What drew you to play Miss Scarlet?
What makes Eliza so brilliant is that Kate philips she gives the impression of being a very refined Victorian lady, which she is to some extent. But she’s as scrappy and feisty as any modern woman, and I adore her for it. She’s so strong-willed and resilient, and she’s navigating a world where the odds are stacked against her. She has no family to guide her, and William is the only person who can offer her any kind of help.
That’s what’s so lovely about their relationship: even though they can be very frustrating to each other, he’s always there to lend a hand of guidance, which is what’s so lovely about their connection. There’s also this sexual chemistry between the two of them, but they have a lot of respect for each other and will always come together at the end of the day.
