BIBI XIA: What inspired you to become an actor, and how did you get started in the industry?
VICTOR ALLI: In school I was quite mischievous – I had a detention and the teacher who was conducting this detention was also directing a play. The guy who was playing the lead role didn’t turn up so she handed me over the script, told me to get on stage and I filled in for him. He didn’t return so the role was mine and the rest is history.
 
BX: What is your approach to acting, and how do you prepare for a new role?
VA: First of all, I usually read the script. I find most of the questions that I may have can be found in the text. Sometimes I may even read other material, such as magazines and newspapers - listening to music too. Songs can provide sensory information which can affect mood feelings and emotions - all quite useful for preparation.
 
BX: Can you walk us through the audition process for "Bridgerton"? How did you land the role?
VA: I was doing a play in the West End called The Glass Menagerie directed by the incredible Jeremy Herrin and starring Amy Adams – both of whom I absolutely love. My agent calls and tells me that I have an audition for Bridgerton. I taped it and I got a recall on the same day I sent it. I went to the chemistry read and two days later I got the role. It happened pretty fast.
 
BX: Can you describe your character in "Bridgerton" and what drew you to this role?
VA: He was just really different to what I thought he was gonna be. His energy and his demeanor - he’s very thoughtful and compassionate. He’s really shy on the one hand but has moments when he comes out of his shell. I really didn’t know what to expect from him and what he might do next.
 
BX: How did you prepare for your role in such a historical and culturally rich series?
VA: I actually read the book “When He Was Wicked”. It was quite nice to read about the character of John, his journey, and the ark of his life with Francesca and I think I used that to help me navigate the world I was stepping into.