In a new interview talking about the soon-to-premiere PBS series Victoria, the series’ star Jenna Coleman manages to make talking about a queen amusing.
PBS’ imports of British series, though they look respectable, have a tendency to take themselves very seriously and contain plenty of drama. (See also: Downton Abbey and Poldark.) As a result, it’s refreshing to hear Jenna Coleman’s stories from the set of Victoria, which premieres this weekend.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Coleman mentioned that she had discovered the queen’s favorite drink: claret and whiskey. (Presumably she didn’t drink them together, but you never know.) “I’m very much looking forward to embarking on the future,” she added. That’s just where this interview starts.
Coleman also mentioned that she occasionally avoided the dreaded corset thanks to having to play Victoria’s numerous, bribed the dog playing Dash on-set with miniature sausages, and randomly asked Tom Hughes if he could do a German accent over a drink. He plays Prince Albert in the series, so presumably he can actually do a German accent. How good it is remains to be seen once the series actually premieres.
Additionally, she said that she and Matt Smith, currently of The Crown, may have also tried to figure out Victoria and Philip’s relationship. (Philip is a great great grandson through his mother. So is his wife. Victoria has the nickname of the “grandmother of Europe” for a reason.)
Essentially, it seems like Coleman is managing to find levity in what might be a very serious role for a different actress. That gives us high expectations for Victoria as a series. Incidentally, we already know a second season will air.
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Victoria premieres tonight, Jan. 15, on PBS as part of the Masterpiece series. Keep it here on Culturess for all the latest.