Rufus Sewell didn't believe the script when he was sent his role for 'Victoria'.

Rufus Sewell

Rufus Sewell

The 48-year-old actor has taken on the part of Lord Melbourne in the forthcoming period drama opposite Jenna Coleman's Queen Victoria but has admitted he was initially sceptical about agreeing to the role because he was confused by the mysterious relationship between the pair.

Speaking to BANG Showbiz, he said: "I didn't know anything about Lord Melbourne when I was first sent the script. I thought, it wasn't really that way, that he wasn't really that way because it seemed so dramatic and so interesting but I thought if he really existed and their relationship had been like that then we'd already know about it.

"That's why I did my research and it's all true. When you think of Victoria, you think of her dressed in black but she's bright and their relationship was fantastic. It made such a change to read a character and like him ..."

Jenna was also concerned about playing such an iconic character on the small screen and took a little persuading.

She said: "I think when taking on something so iconic, and someone who really existed, I think there's also going to be concern that you can do it to the best of your ability.

"Ultimately, the more I read, the more it unfolded in front of me and it was impossible to turn down. I think I would be crazy if I did. It's a gift. It's an absolute gift to be able to explore and try and bring this to life."

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