New three-part drama Doctor Thorne comes to screens later this week, so we caught up with Stefanie Martini ahead of its debut, who plays Mary in the show, "a girl blessed with every gift except money".
Stefanie Martini as Mary in Doctor Thorne / Credit: ITV
Chatting about the series, what we should expect and more, read on to find out what Stefanie had to say...
What can you tell us about new three-part drama Doctor Thorne and the character you play, Mary?
Doctor Thorne is a kind of cheeky fairytale set in the Victorian era. It's a beautiful story, with a heart, which is shared across quite a big ensemble cast. I feel like it's about the relationship between love and money; which you choose to live your life by, and how difficult it is to just choose love in that time.
Mary Thorne, who I play, and Frank Gresham have grown up together and are very much in love, but then money comes into it. Also, Mary finds out some secrets about her birth which completely change her identity. All of the characters have their own complete arcs, so to them the story might mean something else!
What was it that initially drew you to this series and role?
What drew me to Mary is that in spite of all that happens, she doesn't become self-pitying or whiney at all, she just picks herself up and gets on with it. She's a lovely person to live in, very practical and always thinking of others first. Her relationship with her uncle, Doctor Thorne, is interesting because they're incredibly close and protective of one another, but there's also banter there. It's great to play.
Can you tell us a little bit about the audition process you went through to get the role?
The audition process was pretty simple, I just went in twice and read the scenes with the casting director, director and the producer was there too. I could tell they were a good team from the start, as we had a long conversation about the character and my opinions on the thoughts behind her actions in the first round, rather than just zipping in and out. Niall MacCormick was great to work with as it was always a conversation like that.
How was Julian Fellows to work with?
I met Julian a few times when he'd visit the set. I was nervous whenever I knew he was watching, in case I was incorrect with my behaviour in the period, but he's a lovely man and so supportive.
Similarly, what's it like being on set with Tom Hollander?
Tom Hollander is the best! I learnt so much from working with him. He'd make people laugh on set all the time, and would help me with technical things I didn't understand, he is a very generous actor. I'm so glas we got along so well, because our characters are super close and I always felt at ease with him.
Have you always been a fan of Anthony Trollope's work?
I've heard of Trollope's work and read parts of Doctor Thorne, but I deliberately stayed away during filming. I felt like I should just work off Julian's script, and whereas there's beautiful details and character descriptions in the book that were useful, I didn't want to overcomplicate things by trying to serve two stories. Once it's out, I'm definitely reading it!
You're also filming Emerald City for NBC - what can you tell us about that show?
It's so exciting! My character is the complete opposite to Mary in terms of personality, and it's fun to play someone cold and commanding after someone as virtuous as Mary. Emerald City is in the world of the Wizard of Oz, and I think it's going to be beautiful. It's got a massive team and a great feeling on set, it's very ambitious.
Do you have any definitive aims or goals for your career going forward?
I just want to see what happens. I'd like to always be challenged, and be in work as much as possible, but that's about it! It's all very new and exciting for me and I'm very grateful!
Finally, what's next for you?
I'm on Emerald City until the end of April, and then who knows... Aside from work, my aims are to go to Rome, learn German and take up some form of dance!
Doctor Thorne will air on ITV at 9pm on Sunday, March 6.