Fleabag’s Andrew Scott says he didn’t want Hot Priest to be ‘clichéd’ as he brands Phoebe Waller-Bridge a ‘benign dictator’
Andrew Scott has revealed didn’t want his Fleabag character to be too ‘clichéd.’
The actor, 43, spoke about his role in the acclaimed comedy as the so-called ‘Hot Priest’ who forms a romance with Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s titular character as he graced the cover of Man About Town magazine.
Revealing his longtime friend Phoebe approached to appear in the series early on, Andrew compared her to a ‘benign dictator’ for taking such strong command of the show.
Candid: Andrew Scott has revealed didn’t want his Fleabag character to be too ‘clichéd,’ as he posed for a suave shoot with Man About Town magazine
Andrew told Man About Town that when he took on the role of Hot Priest he didn’t want to fall into a stereotype, and instead wanted him to be at the same level as Fleabag herself.
He explained: ‘I didn’t want the character to be, you know, cliched in any way, he had to be a real match to this extraordinarily complex character
‘It ignites the audience’s imagination and you don’t need a lot of backstory. It’s extraordinary what you can use with a lot of economy to create really special drama.’
Screen star: The actor spoke about his role in the acclaimed series ahead of his role in Showtime adaptation of The Talented Mr Ripley
Romantic: Andrew won a whole new army of fans as the so-called ‘Hot Priest’ who sparks up a romance with Fleabag
Beloved: Andrew told Man About Town that when he took on the role of Hot Priest he didn’t want to fall into a stereotype
Andrew added that he was originally approached to star in Fleabag during the series’ early stages, though he only appeared in the show’s second and final series.
He added: ‘You know, with any, erm, great piece of art there has to be a sort of … a benign dictator, if you [know] what I mean. [It’s] collaborative but it is … it is Phoebe’s voice.’
Adding that much of the writing for Fleabag was done at the last minute, Andrew said he enjoyed the opportunity to ‘workshop’ some of his scenes.
Sweet: Speaking about Fleabag’s creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Andrew described her as a ‘benign dictator’
Hard-working: Adding that much of the writing for Fleabag was done at the last minute, Andrew said he enjoyed the opportunity to ‘workshop’ some of his scenes
Smart: The acclaimed actor added that despite doubts, he believes viewers can adapt to intellectual pieces of television
Despite earning huge support from fans, The Priest and Fleabag’s romance came to an end when he decided to maintain his faith in the series’ final episode.
The show was also beloved by fans for Phoebe’s breaking of the fourth wall in scenes, which Andrew said would cause fans to ‘scream in their living rooms.’
Out soon: Pre-order the new issue of Man About Town at manabouttown.tv
Later this year Andrew is also set to star in Showtime’s adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith classic The Talented Mr Ripley about the famous conman who manipulates his way to the top of London society.
The acclaimed actor added that despite doubts, he believes viewers can adapt to intellectual pieces of television in the newfound era of binging and box sets.
Along with his role in Fleabag, Andrew is also renowned for his performance as Jim Moriarty in Sherlock opposite Benedict Cumberbatch.
Pre-order the new issue of Man About Town at manabouttown.tv.
Iconic: Along with his role in Fleabag, Andrew is also renowned for his performance as Jim Moriarty in Sherlock opposite Benedict Cumberbatch