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In new ITV drama The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe, Eddie Marsan stars as John Darwin, the British man who had apparently drowned while canoeing, but had faked his own death to claim life insurance and avoid bankruptcy. The compelling four-parter focuses on how John’s wife Anne (Monica Dolan) became complicit in his deception and how the couple’s plan eventually unravelled. Here, Eddie reveals more…
What appealed to you about this drama? It’s just a great script. It’s a great story about two ordinary people who get into extraordinary circumstances.
I love stories like that.
What did you make of John Darwin before taking on the role?
He was a fantasist and a narcissist. He thought he was smarter than everyone else and could outsmart them. That’s why he did what he did. He underestimated other people.
How would you characterise the relationship between John and Anne? The dynamic between them is fascinating. He’s a fantasist and she just wants to be loved by him.
If you ever met John, what would you say to him?
I’d say, ‘What were you thinking?!’ I don’t know if I’d like to meet him, to be honest. He’s probably hacked off that it’s not Brad Pitt who’s playing him. When he heard it was me, he probably thought, ‘Great. Thanks a lot!’
How was working with Monica Dolan?
It was wonderful. We laughed all the time and had great fun together. I’ve been a big fan of hers for years. She is one of the best actresses in the country. She’s like a chameleon and I always admire that versatility and authenticity.
Did you both stay in character on set? Yes. We wanted to sound like a married couple, so we only spoke to each other in a Hartlepool accent. I don’t know what Monica sounds like when she’s not Anne!
✱ The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe is on ITV