The star of the Roman invasion drama reveals five secrets from the set

1

My character, Roman general Aulus, led the invasion of Britain and now wants to tune in to the spirituality of the resident Druids. I tuned in to something different on set – music to prepare for scenes. If I needed lots of energy I’d listen to Jimi Hendrix, or if I had to be romantic or reflective it was something classical. I wore headphones tostayinthemoment even if someone was talking about last night’s match.

2

I took my clothes off a lot while filming because Aulus loves taking dips in Roman baths. Fortunately, I’d been on a fitness campaign – cycling, running and swimming in the sea – so I was more trim than I might have been and didn’t feel too self-conscious!

3

All the leather and fur the Romans wore, plus a hot summer, made it a tough shoot.

We had people who kept us hydrated and suncream was always to hand, but there were still a few sunburnt faces on set. We even had a ‘cold tent’ where people who’d overheated could sit, hydrate and get their body temperature back to normal.

4

I formed a close bond with Rocky, the horse I ride in the show. I’d like to have kept him after filming. He was very docile – in other words, actor-friendly. He made me want to take up riding.

5

The special effects on the show are amazing. There was a scene where Julian Rhind-tutt’s character, the Celt Phelan, was tortured by being stretched between two horses. In reality, Julian was dangled from a JCB while two people pulled him in opposite directions. They were then replaced with horses using the magic of computer graphics.

David, right, astride Rocky in Britannia