The Deceived cast reveal ‘buzz’ about Paul Mescal on set – and predicted Normal People casting before show was even made
THE Deceived cast members were full of praise for co-star and Normal People’s Paul Mescal, and one of the show’s writers says he “had a buzz about him”.
The 24-year-old shot to fame with his impressive performance in the BBC Irish drama series and co-writer of the Channel 5 four-part drama knew from early on that he was destined for stardom.
Several stars of the new gripping thriller took part in a Q&A about the show along with co-writers Tobias Beer and Deery Girls writer Lisa McGee.
Lisa, 40, recalled when she first heard about Mescal who was tipped to be a big star before he wowed the nation in Normal People.
“There was already a buzz about him, our casting director has told us this guy is really exciting.
“I had been doing general meetings with people and they’ve said ‘oh Paul Mescal’s in your new series and everyone’s talking about him at the minute.’”
She added: “So there was definitely a buzz but I don’t think anybody could have predicted what has happened.”
Shelley Conn, who plays Ruth in The Deceived, thought Mescal was perfect for the role of Connell Waldron in Normal People, that after reading the book she had “cast him in her head” before even knowing the novel had been adapted for TV.
“I had read Normal People, and I didn’t know there was a TV show.
“As I read it, I had only met Paul briefly on a press day, but I had cast him in my head, and I had no idea.”
The cast also discussed the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the TV and film industries and whether they are optimistic for the future.
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Lisa revealed: “So we should be shooting Derry Girls season three now and it’s been pushed back because it was going to be impossible with the restrictions at the minute and to film what we wanted to film, so we are trying really hard to figure it all out.”
She added: I feel weirdly hopeful about it all and I think times like this really bring out the best in artists.
Emmett, 41, added: “I’m very optimistic about it, and I think something great will come of it.
“I start something in October and everyone’s very confident about that start in October, I think things are picking up.”
Catch the final episode of four-part drama The Deceived tonight (August 6) on Channel 5 at 9pm