The cast and creator of the BBC period drama House of Guinness have shared behind-the-scenes secrets, from forbidden lake swims to emotional scenes that gave actors goosebumps. The series, set in 19th-century Dublin, follows the Guinness family dynasty.
Danielle Galligan, who plays Lady Olivia, admitted she fell in love with her character's hedonistic nature. 'Olivia was so electric on the page... she's hedonist to the core,' she said, adding that living vicariously through her was 'delicious'.
Emily Fairn, who portrays Anne Plunket, said the role made her stronger in real life. 'Through her finding her own strength, Anne helps other women... I really grew up a lot while we were doing the show,' she explained.
James Norton (Rafferty) and Galligan revealed they broke hotel rules by swimming in a lake the night before their first scene together. 'The hotel reception said you don't swim in that lake... but we did it,' Norton recalled. The pair said the shared experience built their on-screen chemistry.
Fairn singled out a grief-filled scene with Hilda Fay (The Sultan) as giving her goosebumps. 'It's a beautiful scene of two women holding each other in this one thing they have in common,' she said.
Niamh McCormack, who plays Ellen, praised creator Steven Knight for writing a character with 'Irish Republicanism running through her veins'. She added: 'I found a lot of myself in her... she's a very masculine presenting woman for that time.'
