Torchwood favourite Eve Myles explains why her new role in The Guest was “absolutely terrifying”

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Hailing from a council estate in Powys, Wales, Eve Myles rose to prominence portraying Gwen Cooper in the Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood. Since then, she has landed roles in notable dramas such as Keeping Faith, where she mastered Welsh, and the suspenseful Hijack. Currently, Myles is tackling what she considers her most challenging part to date in BBC’s The Guest, portraying a wealthy, enigmatic character named Fran. In this series, she befriends a working-class cleaner, Ria (played by Gabrielle Creevy).

So Eve, how did you come to join The Guest?

Forty minutes before attending the much-anticipated Taylor Swift concert with my daughters, I received some scripts. Dressed in a pink “Taylor” T-shirt and surrounded by excited girls, I felt like I’d fallen into a pile of glitter. Receiving the scripts, I knew I held something unique. While enjoying an amazing performance by Taylor, my mind kept wandering to go home and read the scripts.

You play a very rich, posh woman – what was that like?

I was utterly astonished when the director shared an image of Fran’s house with me, causing my initial reaction to be, “Surely you jest?” What lay within those walls was nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful – a building I now hold as the most captivating I’ve ever stepped foot in.

It was once a zoo and later served as a nunnery, making it an uncharted territory for filming locations. This historical significance added an aura of intimidation that made me feel both humbled and inspired.

Do you know anyone like Fran?

In different words: Not at all! This world is foreign to me. I’m the one lurking in the bushes, peeking through binoculars and remarking, “Wow, check out that car. Wow, what’s she having for dinner tonight? She’s got a spread from Marks & Spencer’s.” It was an entirely new realm, but I had to adapt because I wanted others to perceive me as Fran.

Upon arriving, I found myself questioning, “Oh, my goodness, is this garment on correctly? Inside out or upside down?” It wasn’t just dark hues; instead, it featured creams, golds, and champagne tones that felt surprisingly revealing. Add to that the hair and nail styling dilemmas. The language used in the house due to my struggle with fastening my children’s buttons was quite colorful. To make matters worse, I was simultaneously potty training my youngest during filming, which made these fashion choices feel completely out of sync with who I truly am.

Fran’s not always likeable. Do you enjoy playing a woman who’s not “nice”?

Absolutely! The character Tony Soprano from The Sopranos was indeed captivating, wasn’t he? What made it intriguing was that the protagonist was an unsavory character, yet audiences found themselves rooting for him. I find the character development of Fran particularly fascinating – her layers and twists make her a compelling character to watch. You find yourself liking her, only for her to suddenly change, leaving you thinking, “Wait a minute, this isn’t the person I just got to know.” Both Fran and Ria are multifaceted, imperfect, and genuine characters that ring true.

Fran seems to see Ria as a kind of protégée. Have you ever had that relationship with anyone?

As a mom to three remarkable daughters, it’s my duty to help them achieve their dreams fully. I’ll be there for them every step of the way, offering unwavering support. While I don’t claim to have all the answers, I can share some wisdom drawn from my personal journey. My mother taught me that hard work, kindness towards others, and punctuality would open up opportunities for me. I pass on this advice to my colleagues, encouraging them to strive for success in their own lives.

You’ve starred in several hit Welsh TV productions. Is that important to you?

I’m deeply honored to be a Welsh woman, and our nation is brimming with talent, particularly in storytelling and creativity. However, we haven’t always had the opportunities to create major TV shows. With an increase in productions recently, it has truly been transformative. I’ve been fortunate enough to contribute to many of these projects, which makes me very happy. When speaking with the producers of The Guest, I expressed my gratitude for setting it in Wales.

What aspects of Wales do we see in the series?

This work offers a fresh perspective on Wales, beyond common perceptions. It boasts an international flavor, making it quite diverse. It captures a broad range, from stark poverty to opulent wealth.

I found a novel that was so captivating and thought-provoking, I couldn’t help but finish it in one sitting. What really drew me in was the intricate, compelling, seductive, addictive, unconventional relationship between the female characters. This elusive quality made it difficult to fully grasp, which only added to my fascination with it. And that’s exactly what I love about it – once you try to categorize something, it becomes harder to truly understand its depth.

Ria looks up to the older Fran — what would your younger self think of the career you have now?

Grew up alongside my brother under the care of a single mother who was barely making ends meet in a modest, two-bedroom apartment on a public housing complex. Despite the challenging circumstances, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by inspiring individuals throughout my life. Escape was found in movies and books for me.

Years later, while performing on stage alongside Michael Gambon in Henry IV at the National Theatre, I would exit each night feeling overcome with emotion, reminding myself that I was incredibly fortunate. Now, collaborating with Robert Carlyle on the upcoming ITV drama The Hack, I find myself constantly pinching myself, never having imagined this opportunity to work alongside these esteemed individuals who I have long admired.

The Guest premieres on BBC One and iPlayer at 9pm on Monday 1st September.

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2025-08-26 03:06