We hang out with Jack Whitehall and Eva Longoria on the set of their new series to discuss George Clooney’s trews and period dramz
HEAT VISITS THE SET OF THE STAR-STUDDED PERIOD DRAMA
It’s a typically wet and miserable day in Cardiff in August and heat is battling the frizz, standing on the lawn of Insole Court stately home, where they’re filming the first episode of Evelyn Waugh’s Decline And Fall. The particular scene focuses on the school’s annual sports day, where obsequious and somewhat deranged headmaster Dr Fagan (played by the formidable David Suchet) tasks new teacher Paul Pennyfeather (Jack Whitehall) with ensuring it’s an event the affluent parents will remember. Over several takes (thanks to the drizzle and clouds), we watch as a suited and booted Fagan instructs Pennyfeather to pay the shambolic Welsh band to hide in the tent and not fraternise with the parents, insulting the whole of Wales in the process.
Fortunately, the Welsh crew don’t seem to
take offence. In between takes, David and Jack chat amiably, and Jack reveals it’s not the first time they’ve worked together, as his first job was as David’s runner on
a play called Man And Boy in the West End. “He was really nice,” he tells us. “I sometimes lapse back into that role, offering him tea or coffee, but he never takes me up on the offer.”
TASTEFUL NUDITY
A big fan of the book, Jack’s relishing his role as the hapless young teacher and says it is his father’s favourite tome. In fact, his parents, Hilary
and Michael (heat 2017
Weird Crush finalist!) are due for a set visit. “My dad presumably will turn up in period clothes, trying to edge into shot,” Jack smirks. Luckily, Mr and Mrs Whitehall weren’t there for the opening scenes, which required Jack to appear as naked as the day he was born. “I was slightly worried,” he explains. “But it was tastefully shot. Far more tasteful than Bad Education.”
DESPERATE HOUSEWIFE
The BBC adaptation has its share of A-list stardust, thanks to Eva Longoria as the beautiful South American aristocrat, Margot Beste-chetwynde, who has a son at the school and seduces Pennyfeather, ultimately causing his downfall. “I’ve always wanted to do a piece in the UK, and nothing ever came up that was right, but then when I read this, it was like, ‘Did they write this for me?’” she gushes. And she’s certainly having fun working with David and Jack. “I’m just constantly laughing. I have to act superior to them, as I’m a bit of a snob – but I can’t, because I love them so much. I’m like, ‘Ohmygod, you’re so funny!’”
GEORGE CLOONEY’S TROUSERS
Eva also has an array of fantastic period outfits to wear including some beautiful ’30s-style vintage dresses. “Oh my gosh, I’ve been dying to wear this wardrobe my entire life,” she trills. “I really think I was made for this time period. I love it. Although their feet were so narrow back then.” Apart from the cricket get-up, which he considers “ludicrous”, Jack is also a fan of his wardrobe, especially the amazing suits. “One of the suits I wear is George Clooney’s three-piece suit that he wore in Downton Abbey. They had to let it out – in the length not in the crotch area,” he laughs. “I might try and nick that at the end and get it on ebay.”