Proud parents: Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) and on-screen husband Branson (Allen Leech) dote on their daughter. Source: Supplied
RARELY has an hour of television delivered such extremes of emotion.
Lady Sybil, played by Jessica Brown Findlay, is the centre of attention when she gives birth to a girl, but Downton Abbey is rocked to its foundations by the unexpected death of a key character.
The birth is one of several seismic changes in Sybil's life, but Brown Findlay wouldn't have it any other way.
A prosthetic pregnant belly proved the most entertaining prop. Asked about the effect of wearing it on set, she says, "endless amusement".
"Once I had my pregnant belly on, Allen (Leech, who plays her husband Branson), kept trying to tell everyone that I hadn't got it on - so they'd just think I was fat.
"A lot has changed for Sybil. She's been able to find her identity. She's spent these months in Ireland with Branson, she's had the joy of work, she's felt an independence and she's completely accepted there.
"I think she's still hoping for some sort of reconciliation between her husband and her family, but in general, it's the happiest and most content we've seen her.
"And of course, she's (been) preparing for her own little family, too. A big concern is the 'Irish problem' - her involvement in that and what it will mean in terms of the freedoms they will or will not have to come back and forth to the house.
"She's treated far more like a grown-up now. I don't think her opinions and the things she's doing are quite so laughable any more because she's followed through with them.
"She's not just a flippant teenager doing things to bait them. Her sisters, in particular, see her as much more worldly. She can relate to them in many ways but I think they all relate to each other now because they've had a bit more life experience."
Downton Abbey is Brown Findlay's first major role. She trained as a dancer, but switched to acting after bungled ankle surgery ended her dancing career. She had been invited to dance with the Kirov Ballet at the Royal Opera House when she was 15.
Downton has opened the door to a film career, including the lead role in Albatross, as a tearaway teen.
"Just the fact I've been able to do this job (Downton) means that when I go to an audition, I've got something to talk about," she says. "It's meant that a lot of people have been very positive towards me.
"Of course, you don't want to be known for just one role, but undoubtedly, it's allowed me to go off and do other things, which is really exciting."
Downton Abbey, Channel 7, Sunday, 8.30pm
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét