SAS Rogue Heroes’ Gwilym Lee: ‘Bill Stirling must steer Paddy right to ensure the SAS’s survival’

As a seasoned movie buff with an eye for authenticity and a heart for gripping historical dramas, I must admit that the second season of SAS Rogue Heroes has truly piqued my interest. Gwilym Lee‘s portrayal of Lieutenant Colonel Bill Stirling, the elder brother of SAS founder David Stirling (Connor Swindells), promises to add another layer to this already captivating series.

As I settle into my seat for another round of action-packed television, I find myself immersed in the second season of SAS Rogue Heroes. This time around, we’re introduced to Lieutenant Colonel Bill Stirling, played masterfully by Gwilym Lee. You might remember him as David Stirling’s elder brother, the man who steps into the fray when the elite unit finds itself at a critical juncture.

During this chat, Lee delves into his preparations for the part, the bond he formed with fellow cast members, lessons learned from the Stirling family, and looking back at his path from ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ to starring in this riveting period piece.

Who is the character that you’re playing in SAS Rogue Heroes for season two – it’s Lieutenant Colonel Bill Stirling.

He’s the elder brother of David Stirling, and in the second series, we find David imprisoned in a war camp. The Special Air Service (SAS) is facing some turbulence, with Paddy Mayne acting unpredictably, but Bill steps in to guide them back on track for the SAS’s endurance.

How did you prepare for the role?

There’s quite a bit of material on the topic, but less about Bill compared to David. This disparity in itself speaks volumes. Unlike David, who seemed more interested in being in the limelight and building a lasting legacy, Bill appeared less focused on these aspects. I consider myself fortunate for having had the opportunity to interact with Archie Stirling, Bill’s son. He was extremely accommodating with his time, and he kindly provided me with photographs of Bill. Viewing him as a family man offered a unique perspective on him as an individual.

As a fellow movie buff, I must admit that when we were cast as brothers on ‘Sex Education’, Connor Swindells’ character and mine, we definitely discussed our approaches to make our performances complement eachir roles. It was an exciting collaboration!

Indeed, I did catch the initial season, and I must say, his acting was nothing short of remarkable. Moreover, he was exceptionally thoughtful – always sending messages while I was getting ready, even texting me good luck on my first day on set. However, there was a hint of Connor feeling restless since he wasn’t part of the action as much as some other actors. Interestingly, many of us are going through emotions similar to our characters during this series.

Is Bill considered more high-ranking than Mayne’s rough crew members? When the cameras weren’t rolling, did any of you interact socially together?

Absolutely, they were truly a united group of peers. This remarkable ensemble was assembled superbly, and despite being newcomers, they graciously welcomed us as additional members. We all felt it was our duty to uphold the integrity of this narrative and these characters. Consequently, we’re all working together to serve this larger tale.

How did you come to acting?

I hail from Birmingham, but my theatrical journey led me to the Central Television Workshop in Nottingham, where coincidentally, Jack O’Connell also honed his craft. Remarkably, this drama group was supported by ITV, providing a unique opportunity for individuals who may not have had access to acting otherwise, enabling them to receive exceptional training.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on my journey, especially after embodying the legendary Brian May in Bohemian Rhapsody. This groundbreaking music biopic not only captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, but it also shattered box office records and scooped up numerous accolades. So, to answer your question, yes, this extraordinary experience has undeniably propelled my career to new heights.

It’s no exaggeration to admit that my phone was incessantly ringing and I was repeatedly declining scripts. However, there was definitely more interest shown in my work, which serves as a benchmark. Instead of entering an audition room to persuade people, they often expressed appreciation like this: “I watched that movie, I thought it was great, well done.” Following such praise, I landed the role in The Great. Whether or not I would have secured that role without having acted in Bohemian Rhapsody, I can’t say for sure.

Have you stayed in touch with Brian May?

Occasionally, I receive a text or email, and this kind man refers to me as his brother. Anita Dobson appeared quite startled when she first saw me in full gear. Her reaction was similar to Angie from EastEnders, exclaiming something along the lines of “Oh, my goodness, you look exactly like him!”.

On New Year’s Day at 9 PM, you can catch the premiere of SAS Rogue Heroes season 2 on both BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Meanwhile, if you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch season 1 right now on BBC iPlayer.

If you’re searching for additional shows to watch, check out our TV Schedule or browse through our Drama section. To catch up on the latest news about your favorite television personalities, tune into The TopMob Podcast.

2024-12-23 19:36

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