Yahoo News Emily Maitlis responds to Ruth Wilson playing her in new drama
Emily Maitlis has responded to the casting of Ruth Wilson as her in new Prime Video series A Very Royal Scandal.
The three-part show was confirmed earlier this week, and will focus on the broadcaster's journey as a Newsnight journalist, leading up to her famous 2019 interview with Prince Andrew (played in the series by Michael Sheen).
Speaking on her podcast The News Agents, Maitlis opened up to fellow presenters Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall about Wilson playing her, noting the actress's tendency to portray disturbed characters.
Related: BBC Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark set to leave show after 30 years
"It's funny isn't it, I normally see her sort of clutching her wrists and pulling at her jumpers with her hair coming out in clumps and a very glassy dazed look as she hits the bottle," she said. "Yeah, no, I think that could work."
The broadcaster also recalled visiting the series' set during filming, praising the "most extraordinary, exceptional cast", which also consists of Joanna Scanlan as Amanda Thirsk, Alex Jennings as Sir Edward Young and Éanna Hardwicke as Stewart MacLean.
"I felt terrified, obviously… Some of the scenes are quite poignant, actually," Maitlis admitted.
Related: First look at Gillian Anderson's transformation for new Netflix movie Scoop
"You suddenly remember you're dealing with people's lives again, and it is kind of weird thing. I don't mean to be all po-faced, but it is a bit weird like that. But an amazing cast."
Filming pictures showing Wilson and Sheen in character emerged a few days ago – and you can take a look at them right here.
A Very Royal Scandal comes as Netflix is also making its own drama about the Newsnight interview called Scoop, which sees Sex Education's Gillian Anderson play Maitlis and The Man in the High Castle's Rufus Sewell as Prince Andrew.
The film is also set to star Bodyguard's Keeley Hawes as Andrew's former private secretary Amanda Thirsk, as well Doctor Who star Billie Piper as Sam McAlister, the producer who secured the booking for Newsnight.
A Very Royal Scandal and Scoop are yet to confirm release dates.
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