“It’s important we have women at the front and centre”

ENGLAND - She plays a strong, dynamic woman in Sky One hit series Jamestown - and Sophie Rundle wouldn’t have it any other way.

The self-branded ‘feminist actress’ says her character Alice is just the type of woman people want to see on TV.

“It’s indicative of an audience’s desire to see female-led dramas, fleshed out female protagonists, and this is part of that movement.”

And she insists: “That’s something I’ve been conscious of and want to make true in all jobs I do.

“It’s important we have women at the front and centre.” Ever since graduating from RADA in 2011, Rundle has made a beeline for ‘fully fleshed out, multi-faceted parts’, unafraid to turn down those that don’t meet her criteria. The 29-year-old has held her own as the hardy Ada Shelby in Peaky Blinders; caused waves as a skilled codebreaker in wartime hit The Bletchley Circle; and starred opposite Friends star Matt Le Blanc in Episodes. Now, the British actress is back to reprise her role in the second season of Jamestown.

Bigger, better, and bolder than ever, the corset drama - direct from the makers of Downtown Abbey - returns to 17th centu- ry Virginia to chart the early days of the first British settlers as they establish their place in the New World. But while the tobacco plantations are starting to provide the wealth they promised and trade booms, the status quo is soon to be disrupted by births, deaths and broken marriages. For one, former farm girl Alice - who suffered a horrific rape ordeal at the hands of Henry (Max Beesley) in the first run, and has since married his brother Silas (Stuart Martin) - has given birth. “That’s the reason the [women] were all brought over here, to make future bloodlines,” says Rundle, whose character made the journey of a lifetime across the ocean, from England to America, in the first series. “She’s the first to achieve that, so she symbolises the future of Jamestown and that’s a very isolating position to be put in,” she empathises. “And on a human level, I imagine it must be a terrifying thing to have no one to ask, ‘Am I doing this right? Can you help me with this?’” “Everyone wants a piece of the baby, considers it their property, and wants ownership of it,” she adds. “She’s exhausted, like most new mums, but she’s really on her own.” (Buzz Contributor)