“I’ve never claimed to be a hard man”

As a long-time movie enthusiast who’s seen more than a few hard-boiled characters gracing the silver screen, I must say that Danny Dyer’s portrayal of Freddie Jones in “Rivals” is a breath of fresh air. The man might have a rough exterior and a penchant for colorful language, but he’s far from your typical tough guy.

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Tech millionaire Freddie Jones is a lot softer than the “hard” men you usually play?

I’m unsure of the origin of this new role. Although I’m a working-class actor with a bit of a swear and a waddle like a swaggering duck, I’ve never portrayed myself as a tough guy. On EastEnders, I donned a pink robe. However, this character is distinct, and for my acting career, I yearned for the chance to appear differently. Such opportunities are not common. Even my fiercest critics, clenching their teeth, might have to concede that Freddie is a likable, engaging character.

Was that your real hair?

If only I’d fastened it up before, what a magnificent pompadour it would be! I’ll cherish the hair I still possess, but I acknowledge its departure. Now that I’ve become a grandpa, I can embrace baldness.

Freddie is the richest of all the characters, but an outsider in Rutshire. Is he the real top dog?

There’s a kindness behind the eyes of Freddie, but he’s a teddy bear with a bite. He has no desire to be top dog, but when he needs to put his foot down, he does. I fell in love with him when I read the script.

In one particularly awkward sequence, I found myself squirming alongside Freddie and his spouse, as they were ridiculed by the snobbish crowd of Rutshire. The discomfort was palpable on screen, making it a rather uneasy watch.

The series displays a hint of elitism, along with other forms of discrimination, towards Freddie. Despite wanting him for his wealth, there’s also a sense of condescension or disdain in the way they view him.

In 2018, you criticized David Cameron for “resting on his laurels” rather than working diligently. How did it feel visiting Gloucestershire, a region frequented by Cameron and his associates?

This story isn’t based on my own experiences, as it’s set in the 1980s – a time and place quite distinct from our current reality. However, we strive to maintain authenticity by staying faithful to that era.

Freddie also develops a slowburn, hard-earned romance with Lizzie Vereker…

In their respective marriages, they both feel stifled and unrecognized. Ideally, our imagined relationship might stir empathy from the audience, although it may seem peculiar given its potentially damaging nature.

Do Freddie and Lizzie get a suitably Cooper-esque sex scene?

You’ll have to keep watching. Things take a surreal turn.

What was the best aspect of the 1980s? Anything you miss?

It seems to me that we’re overloaded with technology these days. My kids find it hard to grasp how we managed without smartphones. I often ponder if our interactions were simpler and more personal when we communicated face-to-face, looking one another in the eyes while sitting together.

2024-10-09 19:04

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