BBC stars hit back at controversy as they defend hiring ‘best actor’ for role
The stars of the new drama Mr Loverman have defended the casting of straight actors in gay roles.
The stars of BBC's Leverman have fiercely defended the show following recent controversy.
Based on the Booker Prize-winning novel by Bernardine Evaristo, the eight-part series follows Barrington Jedidiah Walker, (played by Lennie James) who is secretly having an affair with his best friend Morris De La Roux (portrayed by Ariyon Bakare) while married to his wife of 50 years, Carmel Walker (Sharon D Clarke). Set in London, the show explores the experiences of Britain’s older Caribbean community.
Addressing the backlash regarding the casting of straight actors to portray gay characters, author Bernardine Evaristo told Radio Times: “I know this is probably a controversial thing to say, but I think roles should go to the best actor for the part.
“From my position as the writer of the book, I want it to go to the person who can play the part, and it’s not important whether they’re homosexual or not.”
Lennie, who portrays Barry, expressed his own hesitation about being the right fit for the role, saying: “I know it’s going to be an ongoing conversation.
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“But if I felt I was doing a disservice, I would have ruled myself out. This is a character that any actor who could qualify would do his damnedest to play. And that’s what I did.”
The actor shared that he and his fellow co-stars had an intimacy coordinator on set, explaining: “There were also moments that you weren’t necessarily aware would be intimate or exposing because they weren’t sexual and Robbie [the intimacy coordinator] would say, ‘Do you feel comfortable in this situation?’”
Meanwhile, Ariyon Bakare revealed what it had been like working on the show. He told the BBC: “The cast are amazing, every single one of them. To work with these Black actors who have been around for many years who we remember on TV but probably haven’t been on TV enough!
“They were so brilliant. The ones I’ve really got to give props to are actually the people behind the scenes.
Actress Sharon D. Clarke also spoke about working with her co-star Lennie in the BBC adaptation of the popular book, praising him as she said: “Working with Lennie has been an absolute joy! I’ve known Lennie for around 30 years now but we have never ever worked together.
“He’s someone I admire as a person and as an actor, so to be in his sphere, see the way he works and how he is on set, to see his focus and talent has just been an absolute joy.”
The full interview is out now in Radio Times.
