Roller coaster romance
A new moving drama follows the twists and turns of a tender relationship
Apair of star-crossed lovers experience joy and heartache as they repeatedly come together and are torn apart in C4’s drama Alice & Jack.
The six-part series, which spans more than 15 years, sees enigmatic businesswoman Alice (Andrea Riseborough) and awkward biomedical researcher Jack (Domhnall Gleeson) forge a bond when they meet in a bar for their first date.
‘They’re very different. Alice doesn’t present all of herself immediately. But Jack’s an open book,’ says Domhnall. ‘He’s naive, hopeful and optimistic. Although he’s had tragedy, he’s a believer in love, and when he meets this amazing person, his life is turned upside down. He’s like a moth to a flame.’ After they spend the night together, Jack is stunned when Alice, who’s secretly dealing with past trauma, tells him she wants no further contact. But the connection proves hard to ignore and they’re eventually reunited, only to go their separate ways once more as Alice again distances herself.
It’s complicated
‘Alice is trying to protect Jack,’ reveals Domhnall. ‘That’s a generous thing to do, so that she doesn’t hurt or damage him.’
Although distraught Jack tries to move on and begins a relationship with down-to-earth Lynn (Aisling Bea), he struggles to forget Alice, and after she gets in touch out of the blue, turmoil ensues. But as time goes by, Alice and Jack are beset by more challenges. Can they have a future together?
‘It’s a rocky journey and there is collateral damage. It takes place over many years and there are hurdles,’ says Domhnall. ‘Both Alice and Jack are flawed but they find the best in each other. They’re soulmates.’