Yahoo News Peaky Blinders star on "narcissist" role in new series
Ahead of its premiere last night (August 3), the star of Channel 5's new drama The Deceived, Emmett J Scanlan, came and spoke exclusively to Digital Spy about his latest role as a "narcissist" and "egomaniac".
Emmett – who viewers will recognise from the likes of Hollyoaks and Peaky Blinders – opened up about his character Michael, a married lecturer who embarks on an affair with one of his students.
The Deceived, which is co-written by Derry Girls' Lisa McGee and also stars Normal People's Paul Mescal, gets pretty dark pretty quickly, when Ophelia and Michael's affair results in a shocking and tragic death.
Related: Peaky Blinders' Emmett J Scanlan teases "plenty of twists and turns" in new psychological thriller
Revealing his character's ambiguous and sinister intentions, Emmett told DS that Michael "enjoys the game, the attention, the power, the danger, the romance" – and hinted that his relationship with Ophelia may be more than a "one-off".
"Micheal is very intelligent and charming," he continued. "He uses his power and status, consciously and probably unconsciously, to his advantage. He's a narcissist, an egomaniac and incredibly talented at manipulating situations like you said."
As well as sharing his hopes of a "truthful" portrayal of such a complicated and contradictory character, Scanlan explained the significance of The Deceived and "the thread" of gaslighting that runs through it.
"I think any story that touches on and raises awareness of psychological and physical abuse is important to tell, anytime," he added. "And there is no time like now. It's very relevant."
The Deceived continues every night this week until Thursday (August 6), airing at 9pm on Channel 5.
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