Dominic West has finally addressed the rumors surrounding his relationship with Lily James after photographs of the two together in Rome made headlines while he was still married to Catherine FitzGerald. In a detailed conversation with The Times, the actor from “The Crown” discussed how he and his wife, Catherine, whom he married in 2010, dealt with the media storm that followed the publication of images showing him and Lily James in an intimate setting.
The photographs, which were first published by the DailyMail in October 2020, captured West and James, who is known for her role in “Rebecca,” in close company during what appeared to be a leisurely outing in Rome. These images sparked widespread speculation about the nature of their relationship, considering West’s marital status.
“I hesitate to speak on my wife’s behalf because it was obviously horrible, particularly for her. But we do joke about it sometimes,” revealed the 54-year-old. After this rumor, Dominic told the outlet, “Whenever I and my wife went out together, the papers would always say we were ‘putting on a show of unity’.” “Even if we’d just been rowing about parking the car or whatever, even if that couldn’t be further from the truth,” he continued.
“I think those are my best roles. Some people look good in stiff collars, but I don’t think I’m one of them,” remarked the actor. Dominic pointed out, “I understand upper-class attitudes and ways, and I like those characters, but as an outsider.” “But my wife who is genuinely upper-class, always tells me, ‘You’re much better in the working-class parts, you’re not very good as upper class, you’re not convincing at all,” he added.
During the interview, West not only talked about the personal implications of the tabloid frenzy but also explored his professional life, particularly his preference for playing characters from a working-class background as opposed to those from the upper echelons of society. He expressed a genuine fondness for roles that depict the more gritty and realistic aspects of life, which he finds more relatable and enriching to portray.
Dominic West’s discussion about his acting preferences also sheds light on his approach to his craft, illustrating how he chooses roles that resonate with his personal experiences and views on societal structures. This choice, as he explained, stems from a desire to connect more profoundly with his audience and to present characters that offer a glimpse into the less glamorous, but perhaps more authentic, experiences of everyday people.
The interview serves as an opportunity for West to set the record straight regarding the media portrayal of his relationship with James and to offer insight into how he and his wife confronted the challenges posed by public scrutiny. By addressing these issues openly, West aimed to clarify the situation and move forward from the controversy.
Overall, Dominic West’s reflections in the interview provide a comprehensive look not only at a personal crisis managed under the public eye but also at his philosophical approach to acting. His preference for roles that depict blue-collar life highlights his broader artistic vision and his commitment to portraying complex, real-life characters that resonate with a wide audience.
