BEHIND THE SCENES WITH best ‘The designer clothing became my temptation’

Julia Stiles, 36, was born in New York and started acting aged 11. She has starred in Ten

Things I Hate About You and the Jason Bourne movies. Did you enjoy filming in the French Riviera? It was amazing. It was such a privilege and a delight to be there for seven months. I would live there permanently if I could. Everything from the language and working with a French crew to the food and the landscape – it was such an adventure. Apart from the setting, what attracted you to the role? The screenplay – it was so intriguing. There’s such a nice contrast between what the characters are going through and what they’re doing versus the beautiful setting of the Riviera. And you have some great co-stars! Tell us about them… Yes, and it was the first time I’d met any of them! I had many scenes with Adrian Lester, who not only directed us in two episodes but is such a talented actor and a fun and kind person to be around. I really enjoyed my scenes with him. Tell us a bit about your character, Georgina… At times she is naive and at other times she is cunning. She is very resilient, too. One question that would come up is, ‘Why doesn’t she just leave?’ Of course, there would be no show if she did, but she insists on fighting for her understanding of her marriage and her position in that household. I think that takes a lot of strength and courage. Her position is very threatened and

there isn’t much love among the people who are forced together. Georgina has some great outfits – did you keep any? I did purchase some of the outfits, and there was a store nearby that had beautiful designer clothing that became my temptation to resist. I am becoming more and more interested in fashion – I treat it almost like art. Riviera is all about wealth and excess. What’s been your most extravagant purchase? I bought a piano – even though I don’t play it. But I bought it with the intention of learning. Riviera starts on Thursday on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV