Stuart Martin Answers Fan Questions
You asked, he answered! Miss Scarlet and The Duke star Stuart Martin took a break from filming Season 4 to answer some burning fan questions, revealing advice he’d give to the Duke, Scottish period drama desires, and if he ever gets confused with his celebrity doppelgänger (hint: a wolf-like Marvel superstar).
If you could give your character William “The Duke” Wellington a bit of life advice, what would it be? – Samantha
I think Duke’s the one that should be giving me the advice really, but if there was one thing I could say to him, it would be: Kiss Eliza.
I love your performances in Jamestown and Miss Scarlet and The Duke. You play period characters really well. If you could pick the time period of your next project, what would it be and why? – Brigitte H. from Ottawa, Canada
I love going back to these periods in history. I’ve been very lucky to get to explore such brilliant bits of history. I’ve always wanted to do something running around the wilds of Scotland with a sword or a musket, so I would say Scotland, the highlands, any period between 1400 and 1700. In a kilt. And most definitely beard. I also think the 80s would be really fun.
We know William is seeking a promotion, but what other goals drive him, both personally and professionally? How content is he really, despite Eliza’s description of him? – Sally M. from Massachusetts
I feel like contentment is overrated. We have to have those ups and downs to drive us forward. Joy and loss. That’s the balance. And I think that applies to William. At that moment he is pretty content. He’s content in London, working away and getting to see and work with Eliza. Mostly. But when that gets rocked, he won’t be content, he’ll want more. His life may well be more fulfilling professionally if he moved to Scotland or around the country chasing promotions and rising up the ranks. But something’s keeping him in London…
Why is the Inspector referred to as “The Duke?” Does he come from some kind of royalty? Where does that title come from? – Vivienne L.
I get asked that a lot, so much so that at one point there was chat of putting it in to Season 2, but I also like the fact it’s not really explained. Like so many pet names or nicknames we pick up. He’s collected that nickname at Scotland Yard from the men in reference to the Duke of Wellington. A tough and uncompromising leader. who also happened to be a bit of a ladies man…
What made you interested in the role of The Duke? Was there anything specific about the character that interested you? – Katie B. from Columbus, OH
Everything, really. Everything about the Duke and the project got me obsessed. The scripts were fantastic from the first page, one of the best things I’ve ever read, and Duke one of the best characters. I love how he wears his heart and emotions on his sleeve. I love that he gets to roar and shout at times, that he gets to command a room, but also that he gets stiller moments where he bares his soul in his own way. It’s a joy to play.
What surprised you most when you began training/researching in preparation for playing a character in the 1800s? – Nixa from Missouri
I think I was amazed by the amount of things the Victorians accomplished, socially, and in engineering and architecture. There were incredible leaps forward in the period leading up to Miss Scarlet and The Duke during Victoria’s reign, and in the decades after. It was a pretty amazing time, and walking around London you are surrounded by what they accomplished.
I see you’re from Ayr, that’s Robert Burns territory, and all good Scots should have at least one poem to their credit. Do you have a favorite Burns poem, or one that you have committed to memory? – Marla M. from Harwich, Massachusetts
I am! I grew up half a mile from Burns Cottage and spent my childhood playing around the Brig o’ Doon and the Auld Kirk. So I would have to say “Tam O’ Shanter” is a favorite. Although, you have shamed me, as I don’t know any Burns by heart anymore! But you have inspired me to learn one. Another favorite would be “My Heart’s in the Highlands.” It’s beautiful.
What would be the Duke’s reaction or thoughts if he was [working] on the Jack the Ripper case? – Keara N. from Massachusetts
Now that would be cool! And we’re not far off that, timeline wise. Maybe it would be the making of Duke. Maybe it would be what he needed to finally get a bit of recognition.
Do people tell Mr. Martin that he looks like Hugh Jackman? – Sylviane R.
I’ve actually had it twice already today, ha! I get it more than you would think. I once ended up doing photos with someone getting off a flight as Hugh Jackman because they wouldn’t believe I wasn’t Wolverine. He was quite drunk.. and wanted to send it to his pals.
Will you ever really get together with Miss Scarlet, or will we be kept wondering? – Shari K.
We’ll have to wait and see. We’ve just finished Season 4 and there’s lots of really exciting and lovely developments this year. Beautifully written by Rachael [New] and Ben [Edwards]. I can’t wait for you all to see.
