It’s almost time for the second season of hit BBC drama Riviera to return to screens. And we can’t wait to see what the Clios clan is getting up to. We caught up with star of the show Julia Stiles to find out more about the exciting second season. And see what she’s been up to during the months-long lockdown…
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What can we expect from the second season of Riviera?
According to the actress, we pick up right where we left off. Georgina (played by Julia) is on the boat with her stepson, Adam. But this time it’s her who’s trying to get away with murder, which adds a dramatic twist to the already gripping drama. According to Julia, the show’s second season is something like a Greek or Shakespearean tragedy. “It’s almost operatic,” she says. If you loved the twists and turns in the first season, you’ll have loads to look forward to in this instalment. Julia says, “The drama has definitely been ramped up.”
Another thing to get excited about in this season is the unlikely alliance between Julia’s character Georgina and Irina, played by Lena Olin. Even though Georgina has killed Irina’s son, the two start working together in a dazzling combination of wits. Julia says, “It’s a compelling dynamic that gets explored.”
What does actress Julia Stiles love about her character?
“She’s just so relentless,” says Julia. “And she isn’t afraid to put herself in danger in order to uncover the truth.” According to the actress, her character also shows huge development as the show continues. “Georgina started off as kind of innocent and naive, now she’s pointing guns at people! She’s so bold.”
And from the very first episode Julia loved that her character didn’t show herself to be a coward. “I’m very lucky to be playing a lead like this,” she says.
What’s the best thing about being part of the series? Filming in such beautiful locations in the south of France, of course. “I pinch myself sometimes that this is where I get to work,” says the actress. “We could be in a studio somewhere.”
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What’s the best decision the star has ever made?
Without thinking for too long, the actress answered simply… “Not getting my hair cut during quarantine.” We admit, this is great decision-making. She said, “I’ve been tempted a few times, but I resisted. Better to leave that sort of thing up to the professionals.” Here’s to fabulous post-lockdown locks!
On a more serious note, Julia claims another amazing thing about her life now is that she’s able to juggle being a working actress with being a mom. That’s what success is to her these days. “Being a working mother is a struggle, and a privilege,” says the actress. And, on the plus side, the team on Riviera is particularly understanding about Julia’s various roles and that, for her, family is a top priority.
How does she like to unwind?
“In normal times, or in quarantine?” she asks. After a long day of work, we decide. “Well,” she says, “after I’ve put my son to bed, I love nothing more than to laze in the bath with a glass of wine.” It sounds like a very pleasant way to spend an evening, and certainly a sure way to relax and unwind.
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What is she most looking forward to when we come out of lockdown?
“My son being able to have playdates again,” said Julia Stiles. The actress’s son Strummer is two years old and, apparently, looking forward to seeing his friends again. Anything else? “And travelling”, she states. “I’d like to go back to New York. And I’d love to travel to Cape Town soon – I’ve heard it’s beautiful.” Yes, we can confirm that it is.
Riviera Season 2 airs from Sunday 28 June at 8pm on BBC First, DStv channel 119
Compiled by Features Editor Stephanie van der Plank
