Dominic West says his mother-in-law warned him not to mess up The Pursuit of Love – The Independent

Dominic West has revealed his mother-in-law warned him not to mess up the forthcoming BBC period drama, The Pursuit of Love.

The actor, who plays the patriarchal Uncle Matthew in the adaption of the 1945 novel by Nancy Mitford, said she had very sternly told him how much she loved the source material.

Set in Europe between the First and Second World Wars, the story follows the romantic adventures of Linda Radlett, played by Lily James, the second-oldest daughter of an upper-class family.

West, who is married to landscape designer Catherine FitzGerald, plays Radletts father. West and FitzGerald recently released a handwritten note insisting that their marriage is strong, after intimate photos of West and his new co-star James were published in the press.

West described his character in The Pursuit of Love as so outrageous and so politically incorrect.

He added: His attitude to life is so not what most people think today in regards to political opinions; how to raise children, the role of women in society they are all so backwards.

I couldnt really resist him as hes so fun to play. Even in the 1930s he had unconventional views but hes a softie behind it all. My mother in law very sternly told me how much she loved the books and told me not to mess it up.

West, best known for roles in Les Miserables and The Wire, described Uncle Matthew as this legendary figure based on Mitfords own father.

He was an old school countryman, he said.

Uncle Matthew hunts his children and is quite a frightening patriarchal figure. Pretty much every scene Im in Im shouting at someone but because he fought in the First World War he particularly hates the Germans.

Theres an entrenching tool hung on the wall which reminds him of how he killed 10 Germans in a row.

He regards everything foreign as unspeakable and cannot imagine why anyone would want to travel or leave England. He would not fare well in a world of gender equality and regards everyone with contempt. But there is a warm heart to him which is why hes interesting.

Emily Mortimer has written and directed the three-part series, which also stars Emily Beecham as Radletts best friend and cousin Fanny Logan.

West and Dolly Wells feature as Lindas parents, while Fleabag star Andrew Scott appears as Lord Merlin, the Radletts wealthy and eccentric neighbour.

The Pursuit of Love starts on BBC One on 9 May.

Additional reporting by PA

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Dominic West says his mother-in-law warned him not to mess up The Pursuit of Love - The Independent