Killing Eve star Dame Harriet Walter
Dame Harriet Walter on playing a sporty mentor to sparky assassin Villanelle
KILLING EVE
SUN / BBC1 / 9.15PM / EP 7 of 8 / & FROM MON 1 JUNE / BBC IPLAYER / EP 8 of 8 / DRAMA
Given she was last on our screens as Belgravia’s buttoned-up Countess of Brockenhurst, Dame Harriet Walter’s transformation into Russian gymnast-turned-hitwoman
Dasha in BBC thriller Killing
Eve is all the more remarkable.
Steely, yet playful, Dasha –
‘She was the KGB’S top assassin,’ according to MI6’S Carolyn (played by Fiona Shaw) – taught Villanelle (Jodie Comer) all she knows. But when episode seven of season three airs on BBC1 this Sunday (the eighth and final episode launches on BBC iplayer from Monday 1 June), we find Villanelle’s loyalty to her longtime mentor severely tested as they team up on a new assignment from The Twelve, the secret organisation that employs killers.
Here, the always-lovely Dame Harriet, 69, chats to TV Times about why she’s relishing the role...
What appealed to you most about playing Dasha?
She is so unlike anything I’ve done before. Sometimes when you get older, you have to play the rather stick-in-the-mud-type character, who’s spoiling things for people. But playing Dasha has been great because she’s like a naughty child! Also, I really liked the image of a woman who, at my age, is still fit, active and sporty.
How significant is Dasha’s past dealings with Villanelle?
Dasha’s sway over Villanelle is mainly to do with her connections, rather than any personal influence over her. Dasha represents access for Villanelle; their relationship is something Dasha treasures more than Villanelle does.
You’ve totally nailed the Russian accent… I certainly had to practice. I’ve actually been studying Russian on and off for about 20 years. So I know what Russian is supposed to sound like. But it’s complicated because a Russian speaking English will be trying to sound English, whereas an English actor will be trying to sound Russian. I just thought I’ll make this Dasha ‘sound’ and, as long as it’s consistent, people will get used to it and associate it with her.
What was working with Jodie like? I’m just astonished by her. When I was her age, I was travelling around the UK in a van, putting on shows – kids’ shows and community theatre – every night and I hadn’t been near a camera. Jodie’s amazing how she keeps her feet on the ground and is a regular human being. She’s an amazing talent and absolutely professional, and that’s
so nice to work with.
Why do you think Killing Eve has proved so popular?
It’s got an amazing style and swagger. We’re all bound by societal rules and inhibited, so it’s liberating to vicariously watch somebody, like Villanelle, who doesn’t give a damn. I think if Killing Eve was really bloodthirsty, then I probably wouldn’t be such a fan – it’s because it has its tongue firmly in its cheek that we can all enjoy it.
How would you fare on a night out with Dasha?
Ha, ha! That’s a very good question. I would absolutely flake. She’d find me incredibly boring because I wouldn’t drink or smoke and my Russian would be very bad. She’d probably be very bossy and disdainful of me – and I wouldn’t even try converting her!
THIS SHOW HAS ITS TONGUE FIRMLY IN ITS CHEEK
You turn 70 in September this year. What are your secrets to looking so fabulous?
Looking fabulous? I’m astounded to hear that – I haven’t had a haircut in a month! I suppose I’ve just inherited a sort of constitution that doesn’t necessarily need me to do much to keep slim or in shape. And, of course, the big secret is having a good make-up artist!
Would you say that acting keeps you feeling and looking young? Yes, it keeps you flexible in your mind. As an actor, you have to be open to new ideas; you have to be able to drop everything and think something new. One minute, you’re in 19th-century Belgravia, the next you’re in medieval France or somewhere. You’re always changing and that keeps you curious and keeps your mind darting around the place into new grooves. It’s good for the brain!