January 5th 2025.
In his latest project, James Norton takes on the role of a father who is faced with an unthinkable decision. Despite playing a "hippy dippy guy," Norton was still excited for the opportunity to play a more sinister character when necessary. The 39-year-old actor has previously appeared in popular shows such as Happy Valley, Granchester, War & Peace, and McMafia, as well as the recent Netflix film Joy. However, his next project will see him in a psychological thriller that is sure to leave viewers on edge.
Adapted from the best-selling book by British author JP Delaney, Playing Nice is a four-part series set in Cornwall. It follows two couples who are given the devastating news that their toddlers were switched at birth. The couples, Pete and Maddie, and Miles and Lucy, are then faced with a heart-wrenching dilemma: keep the children they have raised or try to get their biological child back.
While it may seem like they all agree on a solution at first, it becomes clear that one of the couples has a hidden agenda and will stop at nothing to get what they want. Norton, who plays Pete, described his character as a "small hero" who is more likeable than his previous roles. However, when his life is threatened, Pete is forced to step up and confront the person who is trying to destroy it.
Norton explained that Pete is not a villain, but rather a good man who always sees the best in people. He believes that playing nice and being a decent human being will lead to a positive outcome, but throughout the story, he realizes that sometimes you have to play dirty in order to survive. He questioned whether this makes him a hero, but ultimately he was drawn to the complexity of his character and the challenging decisions he had to make.
Niamh Algar stars alongside Norton as his wife, Maddie, while James McArdle and Jessica Brown Findlay play the other couple, Miles and Lucy. The actors wanted to make sure that their characters weren't simply portrayed as villains or heroes, but rather as flawed individuals who make mistakes and are forced to deal with the consequences.
In one scene, Norton's character has to scold a young child, played by three-year-old Alby. However, the scene ended up being too realistic and Alby burst into tears. The actors were amazed by the child's ability to bring life and energy to the scene, despite the challenges of working with young children.
Reflecting on the emotional atmosphere on set, Norton and his co-stars praised the director, Kate, for creating a safe and light environment. They were able to embrace the "big operatic drama" of the story but also step out of it when needed. While filming some of the more intense scenes was challenging, they were able to come together and give powerful performances.
Playing Nice premieres on Sunday, January 5th at 9pm on ITV1. The cast and crew are excited to share this gripping and emotional story with viewers. If you have a celebrity story or news tip, please reach out to the entertainment team by emailing us, calling, or visiting our website. We would love to hear from you!
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