Becoming a Time Lord saw Peter Capaldi move from the dark side to helping save mankind.
Landing the prized role of Doctor Who led to Scot Peter quitting The Musketeers, leaving the show in need of a hiss-able villain. And Marc Warren says he was more than happy to step in and fill the void.
He plays the dastardly Comte De Rochefort in the drama, which returns for a second series on Friday, January 2, after happening to bump into star Tom Burke.
“I knew that he was doing The Musketeers and he said that there was probably going to be a baddie part coming up, the main villain of the show for series two,” confides Marc.
“Comte de Rochefort was put in a Spanish prison and the King of France didn’t pay his ransom, so he was tortured.
“This obviously affected him and he’s dangerous. Rochefort comes over to France and tries to worm his way into court, and works his way into being King Louis’ right-hand man.
“Alongside that, he is trying to get close to the Queen, who he used to know when they were younger.
“Basically he’s just horrible he has no redeeming features at all apart from his love of the Queen!”
47-year-old Marc’s known for Hustle and Mad Dogs and he says being bad is just fine by him.
“It’s always good playing a baddie. They’re easy to play and if you get a bit annoyed during the day at other things, you can just use it during the work.
“If you’re tired and angry you can channel it into the character.”
What was also right up Marc’s street is that swashbuckling 17th century-set drama is shot in Prague.
Speaking on the set he revealed: “It’s very beautiful out here.
“I’ve been coming for 19 years and I’ve worked over here about five times I think, so it’s a bit of a home from home really.”
The action-packed episodes helped pull in enough viewers to land a second series and Luke Pasqualino, Santiago Cabrera, Howard Charles and Burke as the four musketeers probably helped, too.
“I think the boys are fantastic,” says Marc.
“I’m a big fan of them and I’ve certainly bonded with them on set. They are such incredible looking lads as well you don’t want to sit next to them in make-up!”
Despite being in steady demand by casting directors Marc has a refreshingly down-to-earth attitude.
“I just turn up and do my work and then forget about it,” he adds.
“The rest of it isn’t really in my control. Once you get involved in it too much, I think that way madness lies, so I’ve just learnt to let it go.”
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