Interview with Callum Turner for Glue

3 September 2014

Callum Turner plays Eli Bray

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What is Glue and what can we expect from the show?

It's a murder mystery, a ‘whodunit’, set with the backdrop of the British countryside, with horse racing and teenage anarchy!

Can you tell us a bit about your character and who you play?

I play Eli Bray, who is the brother of the murdered boy. He's a Romany man. He's lost his mum and his dad is in prison and now his little brother is gone. His whole thing is how he can get what he deems to be justice.

How important do you think his background is, did you research the Romany community and how do you think that influences his character?

It means everything to him, in terms of the Romany community. I did do a lot of research. Eli believes in his Romany values fully and that shapes his journey in the series.

Were you familiar with Jack Thorne’s previous work?

Yes, of course. When I auditioned we only had the first episode. I just wanted to know more and that's what made it for me. I really wanted to be a part of it in any way possible. The first episode sets up everything, all these characters, and it doesn't answer anything, so yes, I was dying to know more.

In terms of the countryside playing a big part in the show, would you say it's a different way of life?

I grew up in Chelsea, central London. Just the space - that was one of the first things I noticed when I was out on location. The space that you have and how beautiful it is, if you really look at it. It really struck me how much I didn't appreciate it.

Your character works a lot with horses, how did you find that?

The coolest thing I've ever done in my life. I kid you not. I went down to the stables and asked if I could come and work where I was being trained. I got to grips with it quite quickly because of that, I think. I threw myself into the horses’ world. I spent a lot of time there and immersed myself in what he'd be doing, whilst playing catch up on the horse riding front.

What was filming like?

It was lovely. I thought we all had a brilliant time together. But also a lot of hard work! The writing is brilliant and Channel 4 is behind it. The directors are great and the place is great. Everything just felt so good!

Can you tell us what it was like on set with the other cast when you were trying to work out who the murder was?

It got quite intense. Jordan tried to work out who it was about eight different times, with evidence to why it was each person. It was really funny.

Can you tell us a secret about myself?

If I told you my secrets, I think I'd get in trouble.

ENDS.