Exclusive Q&A with Andrew Gower

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With most of us in some form of quarantine during the Covid-19 epidemic, we hope the follwing interview will provide some welcome distraction. Andrew Gower graciously agreed to answer a few questions for us earlier this week – little did he know how many there would be! He answered all of them nonetheless and we cannot thank him enough for his time and patience!

We hope you enjoy reading this as much as we did coming up with questions and covering “a bit of everything”.


First things first: How are you?

Right now, I feel like I should be asking all of you … how you are? … but I shall answer your question : despite the craziness of the world right now – I’m well thank you and healthy. Self isolating in London. In a VERY clean flat.

This question needs to be asked: On a scale from 1-10, how weird or how awesome is it for you to have your own small fanbase?

10 for awesomeness. The weirdness has worn away.

Do you remember the first time someone asked you for your autograph?

The first autograph I ever signed was at a cinema in Angel – the person sat next to me thought I was Andy Murray.

You’re not very active on Social Media. What changed your mind about joining Instagram? Do you have a preference?

I love Twitter for football. All Everton news. That’s a daily go to. I do like to post random photos or music on both – sporadically. I think it’s a nice way to share work you’re passionate about. But I’ve definitely made a conscious effort to spend less time on them. Nothing wrong with a bit of mystery.

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Tell us something about Andrew, the actor: when you’re filming, what’s the first thing you do when you come on set? Do you have a special routine?

This changes from set to set … or whatever scenes I’m filming that day. But I’d say a common go to is a cup of black coffee or at a push a red bush tea.

Is it as hard for you as it is for us fans to wait for a new film or TV series to come out after you’ve wrapped filming?

Part of the fun of wrapping a project is knowing that when it comes out you’ll be in a completely different headspace/another role 🤞. There’s something magical about that. Much nicer to be able to watch a project from a distance – not that I’m an avid viewer of my work anyway.

Out of all the characters you played, do you have a favourite?

I really don’t. The joy is being able to think what you can play next or how you could improve the role you just played/make better for next time.

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Probably one of the most beloved characters you’ve played so far is Sherlock Holmes (lovingly nicknamed “Baby Sherlock” by your fans btw) on Murdoch Mysteries. It’s been 7 years and people are still asking if/when you’ll make a comeback. Are you aware there’s even an online petition that asks for your return?

I’m not aware but that’s very lovely to hear.

What would Sherlock Holmes think about Miss Eliza Scarlet?

Probably be incredibly envious of her talents … and hat collection.

Sherlock Holmes, Rupert Parker and Ezra Spurnrose are all Victorian men (even though Ezra isn’t really from the 19th century). Were you able to use some of your research for the other characters?

I’ve definitely had my overdose of Victorian England. Etiquette coming out of my ears. Although with every character I try and approach them with a different mind set or from a different angle – but it definitely helps to have researched a time period.

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One of your fans once commented that it takes “guts and talent” to take on characters like Caligula or Bonnie Prince Charlie. What do you think were some brave choices you made in portraying either character?

That’s lovely to hear. I think one of the main things I took from drama school and from actors I admire … is that we should always be taking risks. Creative risks. Bold choices. Just like Brian Epstein took a risk on 4 lads from Liverpool. Best creative decisions are always risks.

Speaking of Caligula: there were moments when he definitely reminded us on Peter Ustinov’s Nero in the old classic Quo Vadis. Have you ever seen it?

I’ve never seen it. Thanks for the recommendation.

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Three of the characters you played recently (Tommy Quickly, James Hadfield and Ben Taylor) are all battling (different) mental health issues. Coincidence or is this a topic you particularly liked exploring at that moment?

Honestly, it’s just they’re all really interesting characters on the page. It’s an amazing opportunity to play somebody who faces different day to day obstacles than yourself.

Can you share any news on Running Naked?

The last I heard the final edit is finished.

Iceland, Sweden, the Czech Republic – you filmed in some pretty cold places lately. Which one was your favourite (and do we need to knit some mittens for the future)?

I really couldn’t choose. V lucky to have filmed in all those countries. My mitten game is strong … don’t you worry.

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Congratulations on a second season for Carnival Row! How does it feel to be back for another season?

It’s great to be back!

Our corner of the internet imploded a little, when you announced your part in the final season of Poldark. To see Mitchell and Cutler unite is probably the biggest dream, Being Human fans never knew they had, come true. How was filming with Aidan Turner?

Great to finally meet Aidan. Was lovely to chat about our time on Being Human and many of the Poldark crew had been on the show too. Joy to see them all!

You recently completed your first film as a producer. Can you tell us something about the experience to be in charge of a project from beginning to end? Would you like to produce again, maybe also direct?

It’s definitely something I’d like to do again. Though like with everything … It’s all about finding the right project and then you’ll NEED to do it.

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It seems you often manage to include some of your music when you’re acting, for example one of Emerson’s songs is featured in an episode of Monroe. How did that happen?

Our wonderful producer Jennie Scanlon found out I had been in a band and asked if they could use the music for the episode.

Another example is Rob (Black Mirror), who is singing in his car just before the fatal accident. Was that scene improvised?

That was scripted. Charlie Brooker and John Hillcoat were very specific with the song choice.

If you had become a professional football player, which position would you have played? Who’s your favourite player?

Oh best question of the day. I was a delusional central midfielder. Still am. My favourite player is Leighton Baines.

Anything you want to say to your fans?

Thanks so much for all your support and now more than ever please stay safe n at home.

Thanks a million, Andrew, for taking the time and agreeing to answer this really long list of questions. Stay safe and well, and we can’t wait to see you in your upcoming projects!

>>> Don’t miss Miss Scarlet and The Duke on 31 March 2020 9:00pm on Alibi channel! <<<

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A.D. – The Bible will not continue

A.D. The Bible Continues- Season 1

According to Variety, NBC has cancelled A.D. – The Bible Continues after only one season. The overall viewing numbers of the biblical drama, which picked up the story of the 2013 miniseries The Bible, were too low for NBC to renew it for another season.

Producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey are planning to return to the story on their own digital channel, set to be launched in late 2016 or early 2017. However it is unlikely that another season of A.D. will also mean a return of Roman emperor Caligula, the character portrayed by Andrew Gower.

Outlander Season 2 Casts Bonnie Prince Charlie, Jamie’s Cousin and More

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Variety has now confirmed Andrew’s casting as Bonnie Prince Charlie in Outlander:

Andrew Gower (“The Village,” “A.D. The Bible Continues”) has been cast as Prince Charles Edward Stuart in the new season, Variety has confirmed. When Charles Stuart isn’t carousing with his Jacobite supporters, the young heir to the exiled Catholic royal dynasty is plotting his return to the throne. An unlikely leader with an unabashed taste for alcohol and women, Prince Charles is hell-bent on glory — no matter what the cost.

(Source: Variety)

Outlander Season 2: Bonnie Prince Charlie, Fergus & More Roles Cast

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According to Access Hollywood Andrew Gower has been cast in season 2 of Starz’ hit TV show Outlander.

Andrew Gower, a graduate of the Oxford School of Drama, will play Bonnie Prince Charlie (Prince Charles Edward Stuart), who Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser (Caitriona Balfe) will meet in Season 2.

Charlie has a taste for alcohol and the ladies, and is determined to achieve glory, no matter the price.

Andrew hails from Liverpool (which is also where Stephen Walters, who plays Angus, is from). He played Caligula in NBC’s “AD: The Bible.” Andrew also is an alum of the UK’s “Being Human,” and the medical drama “Monroe.”

(Source: Access Online)

A.D. Ep 9 Saul’s Return

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A.D. – The Bible Continues Ep. 9 “Saul’s Return”

Following his ascent to the Roman throne, Caligula (Andrew Gower) starts a reign of terror over those in his immediate vicinity. Feeling that he isn’t given the appropriate respect and love from his subjects, he demands that statues of him are erected all over the Roman empire, including one inside the Temple of Jerusalem.

Pilate (Vincent Regan) and the High Priest Caiaphas (Richard Coyle) know that such a desecration will cause a riot among the Jewish population, and that they need to work together to avoid bloodshed. However, there are also some among the former political leaders of Jerusalem that see a chance to restore the old order of things after the looming rebellion.

Saul (Emmett J Scanlan) returns to Jerusalem a changed man but is met with suspicion among the disciples who used to be his enemies. He needs to convince them of his miraculously changed intentions as well as leave hiding and start preaching Jesus’ words. While he and Peter (Adam Levy) come to an understanding, the disciples learn from Mary Magdalene (Chipo Chung) about the arrival of Caligula’s statue.

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A.D. Ep 8 The Road to Damascus

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A.D. – The Bible Continues Ep. 8 “The Road to Damascus”

In Pilate’s Palace in Jerusalem the presence of Caligula (Andrew Gower) and his Jewish friend Agrippa (Michael Peluso) causes unrest for all members of the household, servants and masters alike. After another insult, Pilate (Vincent Regan) decides to confront Caligula about his behaviour but hesitates in the last minute to execute his plan.

Jesus’ disciples are still hiding in Jerusalem fearing for their lives, when they receive word that Philip (Joe Dixon) needs their help in Samaria. Saul Saul (Emmett J. Scanlan) is on his way to Damascus when he is faced with a life altering vision of Jesus Christ. Blinded and a changed man, he is later visited by the Christian Ananias (Nicholas Sidi), who heals and baptizes him.

Back in the palace, Pilate and his wife Claudia (Joanne Whalley) are looking forward to their new life in Rome, which is promised to them by Emperor Tiberius (Kenneth Cranham), when news reaches them that Tiberius has passed away “peacefully in his sleep”. His successor Caligula returns to Jerusalem to demonstrate his newly gained power.

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A.D. Ep 7 The Visit

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A.D. – The Bible Continues Ep. 7 “The Visit”

Biblical drama A.D. – The Bible Continues is a sequel to the NBC hit TV show The Bible by producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett. It picks up immediately after the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and shows the impact his death had on his disciples as well as the religious and political leaders of the time.

Jewish persecutor Saul (Emmett J. Scanlan) is targeting Peter (Adam Levy), a former fisherman from Bethsaida and one of the followers of the recently executed Jesus. Fearing for his life, Philip (Joe Dixon) has fled Jerusalem. After watching “Simon the Sorcerer” (Stephen Walters) perform a “miracle” in a market, he decides to show the people of Samaria the true power of God.

The imminent visit of Roman Emperor Tiberius (Kenneth Cranham) threatens Pilate’s (Vincent Regan) position as Governor of Jerusalem. Tiberius is accompanied by his “debauched and dangerous” nephew Caligula (Andrew Gower), who on a nightly stroll through the city reveals his quick temper and violent nature.

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Andrew plays Caligula

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The official website for the NBC mini series A.D. – The Bible Continues released a series of pictures introducing us to the main characters of the sequel to the 2013 mini-series The Bible.

Among them is Andrew Gower who will play the future Roman Emperor Caligula.

The youth who will one day be the Emperor of Rome, Caligula is wild and sadistic with a taste for debauchery and destruction that knows no limits.

After doing some research, we think it is safe to say that Caligula will be one h*** of a character to play! Read our findings about the “real” Caligula.

A.D. will premier on Easter Sunday, 5 April 2015 and continue weekly with 12 one hour long episodes.