James Bond fame Andrew Scott is among the most popular names in Hollywood after his stint in Fleabag. The actor played the role of a priest in the British comedy-drama television series. He was part of the second season of the show and has earned the unexpected title of the ‘s*x symbol’ with his character. The actor was surprised when he was given the tag, as he has never aspired for it.
Band of Brothers fame shared in an interview about his reaction to being given the tag, for his role in Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s show.
Andrew Scott on getting the title of S*x Symbol
All of Us Strangers star was cast in the second season of the popular show Fleabag, written and directed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. It is based on the one-woman show that she performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013. The first season of the show aired in 2016, and the second season aired in 2019. It was critically acclaimed for its writing, acting, and the unique personality of the titular character.
Scott was amazed at getting the unexpected title of s*x symbol after the show. He shared with The Guardian,
“It’s mind-blowing being described as a sex symbol. Whatever floats your boat, I suppose. But I think it’s more about the casting. I’m very happy that Phoebe put me in that part of the hot priest because it was definitely uncharted territory. It’s better than people being repulsed by me. So, I’ll take it!”
The second season, which comprised Andrew Scott as a priest, received 11 nominations for the Primetime Emmy Awards. Among the nominations, the show received six awards, where Phoebe Waller-Bridge earned Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. It also received Golden Globes for Best Television Series and Best Actress for Waller-Bridge. Andrew Scott was also nominated at the Golden Globe Awards.
Andrew Scott was surprised when Phoebe Waller-Bridge offered him Fleabag
Spectre star Andrew Scott shared in an interview with The Guardian that he and Waller-Bridge had known each other for many years. They had worked together in a play, Roaring Trade, about City shenanigans, at the Soho Theatre in London. It was over a decade-old play, and they had not been in touch for years. Hence, when she offered him the role in Fleabag, he was speechless.
Scott shared,
“We’d not seen each other for so long. But we had a natural chemistry then, and we still do. What I love about Fleabag is that it talks about sex in what Americans would call a very sex-positive way. It’s the thing that, every single person in the world is interested in, whether they are sexual people or not.”
Phoebe Waller-Bridge explained the reason for finding him the perfect fit for the character of the sexy priest. She shared,
“It couldn’t have been anyone else. It wasn’t an easy ask – someone who could convince as a person who’s seemingly totally at peace, but at the same time has a promise of danger. He had to be a character that Fleabag couldn’t sum up and dismiss as easily as she has with so many others – so he had to be played by an actor, who you can’t define. Andrew has the charisma of 10 people rolled into one.”
Despite the appreciation and critical acclaim, the creator, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, decided not to return with a third season for the show.
Fleabag is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
Source-The Guardian , The Guardian
