Suranne Jones has said her latest role as a British prime minister gave her a new perspective on the demands of political life, admitting she would “never” want to take on the job in real life.
The actor leads Netflix’s new political thriller Hostage, in which her character Abigail Dalton forms an uneasy alliance with French President Vivienne Toussaint, played by Julie Delpy.
The two leaders must work together during a London summit to rescue Dalton’s husband, expose the kidnapper and blackmailer, and hold those responsible to account.
Asked by Channel 4 News if she would recommend a life in politics, Jones was unequivocal.
“No, in short no,” she said. “Then to elaborate, the people I spoke to; the cost of your family, your life, the lack of sleep, the amount of homework that you have to do, the constant reading, the constant being able to hold the different conversations, and the geo-politics, I mean its so massive.”
Instead, she joked she was happier unwinding away from the world stage. “I like to sit on my sofa with my sausage dogs and watch and relax,” she added.
Jones said the experience had nevertheless left her with “a new found respect” for those in office, adding: “I have a new found respect for people in these positions.”
Although the series touches on themes of immigration, NHS funding and public trust, Jones was clear that it should not be read as a direct commentary on current politics.
Speaking to BBC News, she shared: “We're entertaining and we're in the political world, but it's in no way a reflection of the world we live in.
“It's political with a small p - there's enough that roots us in the real world but the world is too complicated to link it directly and I think it would be inappropriate.”
While viewers quickly learn about Dalton, who is portrayed as an idealistic leader as well as a devoted wife and mother, Delpy’s character is revealed more gradually, her motivations shifting as the series unfolds.
To prepare for the role, Jones, who also serves as an executive producer on the show, immersed herself in the realities of political life.
She visited the House of Commons, spoke with the Speaker and devoured books, documentaries and podcasts.
Jones continued: “I'm a bit of a geek when it comes to research. I was fascinated by not emulating anyone but by understanding a life I knew nothing about. And it's the cost of being in a powerful position in that way that really struck me.”
Hostage is streaming on Netflix now
