A NEW CHALLENGE - ‘A WOMAN WHO LOVES TO KILL PEOPLE IS NOT SOMETHING I RELATE TO!'

AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS JODIE COMER OPENS UP ABOUT FILMING HER NEW ROLE IN LOCKDOWN AND THE PITFALLS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

- ALAN TANNER

For the past two years, she’s dominated our screens as the fashionable, psychopathic assassin Villanelle in Killing Eve. But lockdown has seen Jodie Comer take on an altogether different challenge. The 27-year-old is starring in the BBC’s revived version of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads, a series of timeless monologues from the 80s and 90s which are now returning with a new cast.

“This is, without a doubt, the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Jodie said of playing 80s actress Lesley in the Her Big Chance episode, which also stars Kristin Scott Thomas, Martin Freeman and Imelda Staunton.

Before lockdown, Jodie was filming Ridley Scott’s latest thriller, The Last Duel, in France with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. But the past few months have been spent at her family home in Liverpool. Despite her huge success, Emmys and BAFTAs, Jodie still lives at home in Merseyside with her parents and her brother Charlie. “I honestly can’t imagine not living with my mum and dad,” she said.

Here, Jodie talks about the challenges of filming during a pandemic, her relationship with social media and how playing Villanelle has changed her...

How was filming your Talking Heads episode in lockdown?

It was a very unique experience. It was shot in one day, all with social distancing. I had to do my hair and make-up, which was interesting. I jumped at the chance to do it. I was itching to get off my sofa and do something creative.

Julie Walters played the same role in the original TV play. How did it feel to step into her shoes?

I know I say this in every interview, but I absolutely adore Julie Walters.