Exclusive: Russell Tovey says new show Flesh and Blood will split viewers
Years and Years star Russell Tovey has explained how his new show Flesh and Blood will likely divide viewers as it airs.
The ITV mini-series follows the lives of three siblings – Helen (Claudie Blakley), Jake (Russell Tovey) and Natalie (Lydia Leonard) – who are rocked when their recently widowed mother Vivien (Francesca Annis) reveals she's in love with a new man.
As Vivien's priorities begin to shift away from her children, years of secrets, betrayals and rivalries come to light and threaten to break the family apart – and the whole drama plays out against the build-up to, and aftermath of, a tragic crime too.
Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, star Russell Tovey has teased that the show will have viewers taking sides as they choose to back either the siblings or their mother.
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"Maybe they won't like to admit it, but I think [viewers are] going to see themselves in every single one of these characters," Russell said.
"People are going to be split between being on the kids' sides – Mark is a dodgy character and you need to get him out – and on the mother's side, like why can't they grow up and f**k off and let you get on with your life and have a lovely time now you've done your mother's duty. Let her go."
The actor continued to add that he's "really interested" in how viewers will respond to the different viewpoints in the four-part drama series.
"I'm really interested to see how that oscillates between people, and how within families people perceive it. Whose side they're going to be on," he explained.
"But you're going to be entertained by all of them. Fall in love with all of them," Russell also added. "I think you're going to want them to communicate and get better."
Flesh and Blood also features future The Crown star Imelda Staunton, as well as Sharon Small, Cheat's Lara Rossi and The Stranger star Stephen Rae.
Flesh and Blood begins tonight at 9pm on ITV and will air over four consecutive nights.
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