'My Lady Jane' star Edward Bluemel: 'Heath Ledger in 'A Knight's ...

Craving a good old rom-com where history and fantasy collide? Then '

My Lady Jane

' may just be the hot new web series you have been waiting for. Step into the Tudor court where true love, deadpan heroism and magical realism meet regicidal maniacs with devious intrigues. Swashbuckling swordfights, castles, and opulent costumes ensue as

Emily Bader

and

Edward Bluemel

bring this epic tale to screens with their impeccable banter, and undeniable chemistry.

ETimes had the pleasure of chatting with Bluemel, the charming star of this enchanting new series where history takes a whimsical turn, ensuring plenty of action, angst, romance, comedy and drama along the way. Excerpts:
Edward, I loved your show! It was such a refreshing rom-com that I couldn't help but binge it in one sitting.
Yeah! I hope people do binge on it in one sitting. I think that's part of the fun of it. I did it in two sittings and I think people can do better.
'My Lady Jane' is based on a bestselling book, and fans of these adaptations can be quite critical. Have you read the book?

I actually haven't read the book yet. Although it's a great inspiration for the show, I decided to leave it until after I had completed my role. I didn't want anything in the book to influence me in ways that might be d ifferent from my interpretation.

What was your experience taking on the role of Lord Guilford?
I think it's always really fun to play a part that's in a book, but it's also important to put my own stamp on it. I trust myself to give it my own little flavour and hope that the people who read the book enjoy it. I am also aware that when I play these parts, we're also appealing to new fans who may not have read the book. So for me, it's about giving it my own interpretation. I've been bogged down in the past playing book characters, but I think it's so important to just treat it like any other role, find the truth in the character from my perspective, and hope that it resonates with people.

As this is a twist to a historical epic, did you feel restricted in any way, or were you given the creative liberty to add your own quirks to your character?
Definitely not restricted at all. I think the reason I was cast is that my interpretation of the character in the audition was what they were looking for. The set was incredibly creative, and all of us felt free to have fun with our characters.
Eward, you and Emily Bader might just be television's new favourite duo. Do you have a ship name for the fans?
Oh, I'm glad to hear that! Thank you. Well, I think it's really important for the fans to come up with the ship name. They're so creative, and it feels more genuine when it comes from them.

You share most of your scenes with Emily, and they are some of the most endearing, comical, and sensuous ones. How did the two of you build that partnership?
It's so fun to work with someone you get along with really well. When I first met Emily, we did a chemistry read during our auditions, and I felt like we were destined to be friends. There's nothing better than being on set with someone who feels like a friend. It makes all kinds of scenes—whether intimate, argumentative, or anything else—much easier and more natural because you feel safe with the person you're with. And with Emily, I definitely felt safe.
When it comes to romance in India, Shah Rukh Khan is the name that immediately comes to mind. Have you watched any Indian movies, and in your opinion, who is the ultimate romantic hero?
Oh my gosh, the Indian movie I've seen is RRR. I watched it recently because a friend of mine was actually in it, and she had an amazing experience being part of it.
When it comes to romantic figures, I think a big influence for me as an actor, and for Lady Jane itself, was '

A Knight's Tale

'.

Heath Ledger

in that film embodies the archetypal fantasy, historical, comedy, and romantic hero. There's something so brilliant about how he's in a film that's quite tongue-in-cheek, yet he plays it so seriously. The comedy comes from him treating it like it's Hamlet, and I think that's just brilliant.
In historical dramas, there are costumes, bling, horse riding, and sword fighting that make it a visual treat. But, what's an average day on the set as compared to what we see on screen?
The costumes play a big part because you have to get used to the fact that everything takes a bit longer—getting dressed, getting undressed, even going to the bathroom. Everything is slowed down because you're constantly doing and undoing a thousand laces and buttons. However, I felt very lucky because, as a male character in the Tudor period, I had it easier than the women who were stuck in corsets. There are little things you have to get used to, but it's amazing to wear those costumes and immerse yourself in that world because it makes the acting so much easier. You really do feel restricted in the ways they would have been restricted.
Finally, what does the future hold for Jane and Guilford? Will they have their happily ever after, or can we expect the story to continue in season two?
I think, like anything in the Tudor period—whether in real life or our version—nothing stays peaceful for very long. So, I hope there’s a lot more excitement ahead for them, but I'm sure there will also be some hurdles along the way.
Instead of focusing on the brief reign of the young Tudor queen and her subsequent beheadings in 1553, 'My Lady Jane', inspired by the best-selling book series, reimagines history where the damsel in distress saves herself. In this radical retelling of English royal history, viewers can expect an epic tale of true love and high adventure, blending action, history, fantasy, comedy, and steamy romance. The eight-episode series also stars Jordan Peters,

Dominic Cooper

, Anna Chancellor, Rob Brydon, and Jim Broadbent.